Introduction

Minoxidil is a pro-drug which is converted to its active form, minoxidil sulfate, by SULT1A1 enzymes located in the scalp. SULT1A1 activity has been used to predict minoxidil response and to help guide alopecia treatment.

Aim

To evaluate beneficial effects of applying the SULT1A1 (Minoxidil Sulfotransferase) enzyme booster prior to daily 5% minoxidil treatment.

Patient Profile

Male androgenic alopecia

Methods

• Randomized blinded placebo-controlled study
• N=24

• Patients were randomized to receive 5% topical minoxidil plus the novel formula or minoxidil plus a sham placebo solution.
• Patient's hair growth was monitored using global photography over 60 days.
• The treatment response was rated on a 7-point scale as follows:
• ·-3 (significantly worse), -2 (moderately worse), -1 (slightly worse), 0 (no change), +1 (slightly improved), +2 (moderately improved), and +3 (significantly improved).

Results

• At 60 days, based on the global photographs assessments a notable increase in hair growth was reported
• Patients in SULT1A1 adjuvant group and placebo group showed statistically significant minoxidil response rates (p=0.023)

Figure 1: Increase in hair growth assessed by the independent blinded reviews of the global photographs at 60 days.

Conclusion

Addition of the SULT1A1 adjuvant to daily minoxidil treatment regimen improved hair regrowth in androgenic alopecia.

Reference

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021; 00:1–4.