New innovations for tackling hair loss appear from time to time. However it is still an area of medicine that relies on old imperfect treatments. It’s really shocking that a condition that affects almost 50% of adults is so underserved by research. So much so that whenever there’s news of any promising new treatment, it generates a lot of buzz and hope. One tablet that’s stirring up excitement right now is VDPHL01. It is currently hailed as a possible competitor to minoxidil and finasteride for male and female pattern hair loss. It’s easy to see why there’s a lot of enthusiasm but as always we need to probe the evidence. In this article, we explore what VDPHL01 is, the science behind it and when it will be available for hair loss treatment.
What Is VDPHL01?
VDPHL01 is an extended-release oral form of minoxidil that aims to serve as a potential treatment for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in men and women. It comes from an area of research which seeks to improve the effectiveness of oral minoxidil whilst reducing some of its side effects. One of the main limitations of oral minoxidil is that the drug quickly gets into the bloodstream which can lead to instant peaks in concentration that quickly dip. This means that the drug only has a short time to work on the hair follicle. Originally minoxidil was a blood pressure medication so the spike in levels can cause side effects dizziness, fluid retention or changes in heart rate. That’s where VDPHL01 comes in. It’s structure means that minoxidil releases slowly and steadily throughout the day. This creating a gentler and more consistent exposure.
This approach makes VDPHL01 an interesting development within the broader effort to refine and modernise existing hair loss therapies. Rather than introducing a completely new drug class, like PP405 or deoxyribose sugar gel, it aims t to improve the effectiveness and safety of an existing medication. The company making it, Veradermics, believe that the extended-release design could lead to faster and more intense hair growth with fewer side effects. If successful, this could offer an alternative for people who cannot tolerate standard oral minoxidil or who have not seen good results from topical formulations. However, despite its promise, VDPHL01 is still an experimental treatment and still undergoing study in clinical trials. Research regarding full safety, long-term effects and comparative results are still ongoing. As such, it is not yet available as a treatment.
How Does VDPHL01 Work?
VDPHL01 is currently undergoing trial and is a proprietary formula so we don’t have extensive information about it yet. However, from what we know it is modified form of minoxidil. On this basis, its safe to assume that it works similarly. Minoxidil works by widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to the scalp. It also acts on the hair follicle during the hair growth cycle by prolonging its stay in the anagen (active growth) phase. This is why it can improve hair density and length over time. The makers of VDPHL01 take this concept further by using an extended-release design.
Traditional oral minoxidil releases the dose quickly, creating sharp peaks in blood levels which can contribute to side effects in some people. VDPHL01 aims to smooth out these fluctuations by releasing minoxidil gradually over time and reducing the rapid blood level spikes that occur with traditional oral minoxidil. This should allow prolonged and sustained exposure to minoxidil throughout the day by the hair follicle but also limit side effects in some people. Again, this is still theoretical and is what researchers are trying to test in clinical trials.
What Does the Evidence Show?
As VDPHL01 is still undergoing research, studies on it so far have not yet been published in peer-reviewed journals. It has drawn attention because of the early results shared by its maker, Veradermics. In a six-month study involving men with male pattern hair loss, the company reported an average increase of 46.94 non-vellus hairs per cm² alongside improvements in overall coverage. According to their data, around 90% of participants had a score showing improvement during the study period. This research is still early and does not give a head to head comparison with regular oral minoxidil. The company is however undertaking trials in both men and women. It is also recruiting participants for a phase III trial where it will compare VDPHL01 vs minoxidil. If successful this should provide a clearer picture of how effective and tolerable it may be.
Key Benefits & Possible Risks of VDPHL01 for Hair Regrowth
Early interest in VDPHL01 is a reflection of the lack of innovation and new treatments in the hair loss sphere. Based on what the developers have shared so far, the potential benefits of VDPHL01 compared with minoxidil include:
- Enhanced hair growth: The company has reported meaningful increases in hair density and visible improvement in men during early trials. Whilst encouraging, these results still need independent confirmation and longer-term follow-up.
- Better tolerability: If the extended-release design successfully smooths out dose peak. This may benefit people who struggle with dizziness, fluid retention or palpitations on standard oral minoxidil may find a slow-release format easier to use.
- Convenience of oral treatment: This may be attractive to those who dislike topical minoxidil due to irritation, messiness, poor absorption or who have pets.
Like any drug, there will also be potential risks and side effects. Again this is pure speculation as we do not have any published data but if VDPHL01 then may share similar adverse effects. Possible risks of VDPHL01 may include:
- Minoxidil-related side effects: Even with slow release, VDPHL01 still contains minoxidil. So, the usual risks like dizziness, swelling, increased heart rate or unwanted hair growth may still be possible.
- Unknown long-term safety: The current studies are short and long-term safety still needs assessment. Until Phase 3 data and independent reviews are available, the full safety profile remains unknown.
- Not suitable for everyone: As with standard oral minoxidil, it is likely that it may not be suitable for people with certain cardiovascular conditions, kidney issues or low blood pressure. There may be other cases that come up from the clinical trials.
- Limited evidence in women: Most of the publicly available data so far relates to men. Further research is necessary to know how well it works for women.
In addition to the above, we don’t yet know whether it potentially has any negative interactions with other medications. Nor do we know the optimal frequency for use and if like minoxidil you can use it long-term.
When Will VDPHL01 Be Available for Hair Loss?
VDPHL01 is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for androgenetic hair loss. This phase evaluates the treatment in a larger and more diverse group of participants. It seeks to assess both safety and how well it performs compared with standard oral minoxidil. If the results are positive, the treatment would then need to undergo a robust regulatory review before it can get licensing by authorities such as the MHRA in the UK or FDA in the United States.
When VDPHL01 will become available depends entirely on the outcome of these trials. Even in a best-case scenario, approval is still likely to be several years away. It’s also important to remember that many potential hair loss treatments do not make it through Phase III due to limited long-term benefits or unanticipated side effects. For now, VDPHL01 remains an experimental therapy and cannot be purchased or prescribed outside formal clinical studies.
Alternatives to VDPHL01 for Androgenetic Alopecia
Whilst VDPHL01 is still undergoing clinical testing and even if it gets approval it may not be suitable for everyone. Luckily, there are a number of currently available treatments for pattern hair loss. Below are the main alternatives to VDPHL01 for hair loss treatment:
- Minoxidil: This is a well-established treatment that is the first-line treatment for most people. It is widely available as a topical over the counter treatment and can also be prescribed in higher strengths or oral form.
- DHT & Androgen Blockers: Oral finasteride remains one of the most effective licensed treatments for male pattern hair loss but it carries some serious side effects. Alternatives such as topical finasteride, dutasteride or spironolactone are also available as unlicensed compounded prescription treatments.
- Combination therapy: Many people benefit from using more than one treatment for hair loss. A common approach is combining minoxidil with a DHT-blocker, tretinoin or melatonin to help boost and complement its effects. Adjunct procedures like microneedling and LLLT helmets can also help support the actions of hair growth treatments.
VDPHL01 is an intriguing addition to the growing number of new treatments being explored for hair loss. Much like PP405, Breezula or deoxyribose sugar gel, it has generated excitement despite still being in clinical trials. In fact even without any published peer-reviewed data. This reflects the reality that hair loss affects so many people and yet treatment options remain frustratingly limited. The appeal of VDPHL01 lies in the idea that it improves an already existing hair loss treatment; minoxidil. However, given the early stage of research, it’s vital to balance interest with a healthy dose of patience whilst it undergoes proper scientific scrutiny.
We believe in a personalised approach to hair care which is why we offer personalised hair loss and regrowth treatments through our online skin clinic. Our doctors create custom hair growth treatments using actives such as Minoxidil, Finasteride, Spironolactone, Melatonin, Caffeine and Tretinoin where appropriate for each and every patient. Start your virtual consultation and begin your journey to great hair today.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your skin or treatment options.
