In recent trials, a gel made from 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2DDR) promoted 80% to 90% hair regrowth in models of male-pattern baldness, matching the effectiveness of the current gold-standard drug, minoxidil. The gel works by encouraging the body to grow new blood vessels around the hair follicle, providing the extra oxygen and nutrients needed for hair to sprout.
What it is and how it works
The treatment is a biodegradable, non-toxic gel that contains 2DDR, a sugar that is a fundamental part of our genetic code. When applied to the scalp, it stimulates the production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which is the body’s signal to create new blood vessels. This increased blood supply essentially “feeds” the hair bulb, causing it to grow thicker and longer strands.
The Science
Tissue engineer Sheila MacNeil from the University of Sheffield explains that “the answer to treating hair loss might be as simple as using a naturally occurring deoxyribose sugar to boost the blood supply”. Unlike current drugs like finasteride, which can cause sexual side effects and depression, this sugar gel is non-hormonal and carries a significantly lower risk of adverse reactions. The research was published in Frontiers in Pharmacology and confirmed that the gel successfully reawakens dormant follicles.
Availability and Benefit
While currently transitioning from animal models to human clinical trials, the 2DDR gel is being fast-tracked for potential use in treating general alopecia and hair loss following chemotherapy. For now, patients can support similar biological pathways by using current treatments that improve scalp circulation, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or certain essential oils like rosemary, which have shown comparable blood-flow benefits in separate studies.