Topical DHT for Hair Growth Receives US Patents

Androgenetic alopecia, the condition more frequently referred to as Male Pattern Baldness and Female Pattern Hair Loss, is caused by an inherited sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

This attaches to the hair follicles along the top of the scalp, from crown to hairline, causing gradually thinning hair through a process known as follicular miniaturisation, and hair loss.

Affected males are thought to have a more intense reaction to DHT which is why men are far more likely to go bald in defined areas, such as experiencing a receding hairline or thinning crown - than women, who present with more generalised hair thinning in the targeted region.

For these reasons, and the fact that one of the most popular and only oral MHRA-licensed and FDA-approved male hair loss treatment - finasteride 1mg - is a DHT-blocker, it was surprising to learn that a topical DHT formulation is being developed to promote hair growth.

Topical DHT to promote hair growth

Edward Dunne Corboy, Jnr. has been awarded a number of US Patents for his use of topical DHT to promote hair growth.

It refers to the composition and method of use for topical DHT, where it is applied directly to the skin, both on its own and when combined with medications including bimatoprost, apocrine hair growth factors, or minoxidil - the only currently clinically-proven unisex treatment for genetic hair loss.

The Corboy Jr formula, which had its latest US Patent granted on 5th June 2018, claims to "promote and enhance hair growth of terminal mustache hair, beard hair, also chest hair, and other male androgen sensitive or dependent hair growth in humans or animals" according to the 3rd May 2018 Patent abstract.

Whilst this does not specifically mention Male Pattern Baldness by name, this is certainly an androgen-sensitive hair loss condition.

This product has been being developed in America since at least 2014; the UK and EU do not currently permit the use of hormones in cosmetic products. However, if the final product was to be sold as a medication it would require the approval of the necessary medical regulatory boards - the MHRA in the UK and the FDA in the USA - before it could be prescribed or sold anyway.

In order for such certification to be granted, the formulation's ingredients must comply with the relevant country's regulations, as well as there being sufficient proof from substantial clinical trials that the product is safe, tolerable and effective for its stated use. Being awarded a Patent is simply a way of registering a novel invention as belonging to its creator - it has nothing to do with how well or safely it performs.

Treating Male Pattern Hair Loss

Whether it will prove a worthwhile and viable men's hair loss solution, and what the particular benefits of this particular invention, as opposed to the established and properly licensed/approved hair loss treatment options remains to be seen.

For now, any men who have noticed excessive shedding, receding or a drop in their hair's volume and are worried about losing their hair should consult a specialist for a diagnosis as well as expert help and advice on preventing baldness.