Efficacy and safety of a new 5% minoxidil formulation in male androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, noninferiority study

Management of androgenic alopecia: a systematic review of the literature

We aimed to determine the efficacy of the various available oral, topical, and procedural treatment options for hair loss in individuals with androgenic alopecia. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic review of the National Library of Medicine was performed. Overall, 141 unique studies met our inclusion criteria. We demonstrate that many over the counter (e.g. topical minoxidil, supplements, low-level light treatment), prescription (e.g. oral minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride), and procedural (e.g. platelet-rich plasma, fractionated lasers, hair transplantation) treatments successfully promote hair growth, highlighting the superiority of a multifaceted and individualized approach to management.

Positioning of Low Alcohol or Alcohol-Free Minoxidil Formulation for the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: Indian Perspective

Topical minoxidil is used for treating different hair disorders. Even though it is an effective therapy, many patients show poor compliance due to the cost, side effects, and duration of treatment. Topical minoxidil is the mainstay treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Recently, low alcohol or alcohol-free topical minoxidil formulation has proven to be an alternative for patients suffering from AGA, including those with poor compliance with other therapies. Thus, the current article provides the positioning of low alcohol or alcohol-free topical minoxidil to manage AGA in Indian clinical practice.

Comparative Study to Evaluate Tolerability of Topical 5% Minoxidil Novel Formulation and Alcohol-Based Conventional Solutions in Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Indian Men: Randomized Double-Blind Study

INTRODUCTION

Patients with androgenetic alopecia treated with alcohol-based minoxidil topical solutions often report local irritation, dryness, and redness of the scalp. We evaluate the in-use tolerance of 5% minoxidil novel formulation topical solution-test product (TP)-compared with 5% minoxidil alcohol-based topical solutions-reference product 1 (RP1) and reference product 2 (RP2)-in Indian men with androgenetic alopecia.

METHODS

In this randomized double-blind study, patients aged ≥ 18 years with androgenetic alopecia were randomized 1:1:1 to apply TP, RP1, and RP2 twice daily for 30 days. The safety endpoints included mean hydration, mean redness, and mean scaling on scalp.

RESULTS

All screened patients (N = 100) were enrolled and randomized to TP (n = 33), RP1 (n = 33), or RP2 (n = 34). At day 30, the mean (SD) hydration was significantly increased in patients treated with TP [9.74 (4.98)] but significantly reduced in patients treated with RP1 [3.28 (2.67)] or RP2 [3.03 (1.57)] (p-value 0.001). The mean (SD) score for redness was significantly decreased in the TP group [0.01 (0.04)], (p-value, 0.009) at day 30 compared with baseline, while no change was observed in the RP1 [0.08 (0.13)] or RP2 [0.11 (0.17)] group. After 30 days of treatment, no significant difference was observed in the mean score of scaling in any of the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Twice daily application of 5% minoxidil novel formulation for 30 days significantly improved hydration and reduced redness of the scalp. Hence, 5% minoxidil novel formulation could be a safer alternative in treating men with androgenetic alopecia who are sensitive to alcoholic formulations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registry of India; CTRI/2018/11/016431.