Value Proposition
· Non-irritating formulation of minoxidil to treat hair loss
· Increased efficacy and tolerance of minoxidil
· Suitable for individuals with curly hair
· Ointment or oil-based formulation eliminates the need to dissolve minoxidil in irritating vehicle
Unmet Need
Minoxidil, which is the only approved medication to treat hair loss over the counter (OTC), often results in hair breakage due to the treatment vehicle. Most often, OTC minoxidil is formulated as a solution or aerosol foam containing propylene glycol and/or ethanol. This formulation can cause irritation and rashes on the scalp and is especially detrimental to individuals with curly hair (see Suchonwanit et al., 2019). Therefore, there is a need for the development of a formulation of minoxidil that minimizes irritation in order to address the ability of patients, especially those with curly hair, to tolerate treatment with this compound.
Technology Description
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed two different formulations of minoxidil that minimize scalp irritation and are more suitable for curly hair types. These formulations are in an ointment or oil-based form, avoiding the use of irritating solvents that are present in currently available minoxidil treatments. Additionally, they include low doses of retinoids and steroids to increase the effectiveness of the minoxidil and minimize any irritation caused to the skin.
Stage of Development: This technology is currently in a pre-development stage of ideation.
Publication
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