A Uniquely Engineered Formulation Providing
an Alternative Solution For Hairloss
Minoxidil has been the number one topical therapy for androgenetic alopecia since its FDA clearance in 1988. Even after years of use, its exact mode of action is not completely understood. Minoxidil sulfate is the active metabolite which has been shown to stimulate hair growth. The proposed mechanisms of action for minoxidil are:
1. It creates vasodilatation.
2. It slows senescence of keratinocytes.
3. It increases proliferation of dermal papilla cells in the hair follicle.
4. It enhances cell proliferation.
Studies with topical minoxidil 2% or 3% show that hair regrowth tends to peak at around 1 year and that new non-vellus hairs were maintained at 4.5 – 5 years with ongoing use of the product. In addition to stimulating the growth of new hairs, minoxidil was also shown to increase the diameteer of the individual hair shafts by over 30%. A randomized, placebo controlled comparison study of topical 5% minoxidil vs. topical 2% minoxidil showed the men in the 5% minoxidil group had 45% more hair growth at 48 weeks than those men using 2% minoxidil.
Increased Efficacy With Tretinoin And Minoxidil
There is also evidence that tretinoin, when added to minoxidil, can increase its efficacy. Studies have shown that tretinoin increases the percutaneous absorption of minoxidil by 3 fold. Intriguingly, in one study by Lewenberg, it was noted that while minoxidil appears to exert its best hair growing effects on the vertex of the scalp, the combination of tretinoin and minoxidil “results in hair growth in all areas of the scalp.” The mechanism of action for hair growth from tretinoin is not clear either. It has been shown to penetrate the nucleus of cells and induce protein synthesis and cell turnover. Additionally, it prolongs cell survival and prevents apoptosis of dermal papilla cells. The use of topical steroids has been shown to decrease inflammation associated with the use of minoxidil, trentinoin or the combination of both. Also, the combination has been shown to have increased efficacy over minoxidil alone.
A New Process
Over I5 years ago, a pharmaceutical group in South America created several topical formulas containing minoxidil, tretinoin, a topical steroid, and more recently, a natural 5 alpha reductase blocking agent, oleanolic acid, in addition to several other ingredients. Additionally, they also developed a proprietary method of solubilizing and stabilizing minoxidil, allowing better stability, longer shelf life, and better efficacy.
In 2008 a group of dermatologists in Mexico headed by Dr. Antonio Cueva introduced these formulas to Mexico. They performed some clinical trials showing a markedly faster onset of hair growth and more profound hair growth than they had seen with previous minoxidil based formulas. The photos document several cases showing the rapid and dramatic results of the use of the these products.
A further refined version of the formula, Formula 82M, is now being dispensed in the U.S. by prescription only through MasterPharm Compounding Pharmacy under a license from Hair Science, LLC.
"So why does this product appear markedly more efficacious than others on the market such as Rogaine and Propecia? A review of product ingredients discussed in this article shows that higher strengths of minoxidil (5%) are more effective than lower (2%). The addition of tretinoin increases the efficacy of minoxidil. A topical steroid improves efficacy and reduces irritation, and a 5 alpha reductase blocker increases efficacy. Formula 82M contains all of these previously proven ingredients and now in a propylene glycol-free base. However, more importantly, their proprietary solubilizing and stabilizing process appears to markedly improve drug delivery and shelf life. This article is meant to serve as a preliminary overview of the Formula 82M topical formulation for androgenetic alopecia. I am continuing to evaluate this formulation, which is currently being made available by prescription in the U.S. through MasterPharm Compounding Pharmacy". (Masterpharm.com)
— Dr. Mark Rubin