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A drug used to treat brittle bones could help to treat baldness within days, new research suggests.
If applied as a shampoo, scientists found the treatment promotes hair growth.
It blocks a naturally-occurring protein that prevents growth and induces male baldness.
Experts are “optimistic” the drug, known as WAY-316606, could one day help millions of men.
Originally developed for osteoporosis, researchers found that, in just two days, the treatment increased growth from human hair follicles and now hope to carry out clinical trials.
A study on hair follicles donated by more than 40 balding men found their tissue all started sprouting hair within days of being treated with the drug.
It was published in the journal, Public Library of Science Biology.
Dr Nathan Hawkshaw, lead researcher from Manchester University, said: “The fact this new agent, which had never even been considered in a hair loss context, promotes human hair growth is exciting because of its translational potential: it could one day make a real difference to people who suffer from hair loss.
“I’m very optimistic it could work. In lab tests, the drug started promoting growth in hair follicles in just two days – that’s pretty quick.
“We are looking at using it as a topical treatment, a gel or shampoo that could reach the follicle.”
Dr Hawkshaw said there are no known side-effects of the bone drug.
There are only two drugs available to treat male-pattern baldness, minoxidil and finasteride, but both have side effects and are not always effective.
Alternatively, you could get a hair transplant.
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