New Oral Minoxidil Pill Shows Promising Results for Male Pattern Hair Loss
A new extended-release form of oral minoxidil has shown promising results in a late-stage clinical trial for men with male pattern hair loss.
The treatment, called VDPHL01, is not a completely new drug. Instead, it uses minoxidil, a well-known medicine that has been used for many years in hair loss treatment. What makes this version different is the way it is delivered. VDPHL01 is designed as a slow-release tablet, developed specifically for pattern hair loss.
Why This Is Important
Minoxidil is already widely known as a topical treatment, usually applied as a foam or liquid to the scalp. It can help support hair growth, but it needs to be used consistently, and results may reduce if treatment is stopped.
Oral minoxidil has also been used by some dermatologists at low doses, but traditional immediate-release oral versions may cause sharper peaks in the bloodstream. This can raise concerns about side effects such as dizziness, swelling, increased heart rate, or other cardiovascular symptoms.
The new VDPHL01 tablet is designed to release minoxidil more gradually. The aim is to support hair growth while reducing the blood-level spikes that may be linked to unwanted side effects.
What the Trial Found
In a clinical trial involving 519 men aged 18 to 65 with mild-to-moderate male pattern hair loss, participants were given either:
- VDPHL01 once daily
- VDPHL01 twice daily
- A placebo
After six months, men taking the new oral minoxidil formulation showed stronger improvements than those taking placebo.
According to the reported results, men taking placebo gained an average of 7.3 non-vellus hairs per square centimetre. Men taking VDPHL01 once daily gained around 30.3 non-vellus hairs per square centimetre, while those taking it twice daily gained around 33.0 non-vellus hairs per square centimetre.
Non-vellus hairs are the thicker, more visible hairs usually measured in hair loss studies.
The company also reported that around 79% of men taking the once-daily dose and 86% taking the twice-daily dose noticed some improvement in hair coverage, compared with around 36% in the placebo group.
Is This Treatment Available Now?
Although the results are encouraging, it is important to be cautious.
The findings so far come from a company announcement, not a full peer-reviewed published paper. More data will be needed, especially around longer-term safety, cardiovascular monitoring, and how the treatment compares with existing options.
A second study is already underway, with further results expected later in 2026. If future data confirms the benefits and regulators approve the treatment, VDPHL01 could become an important new option for men with male pattern hair loss.
What This Means for Patients
Male pattern hair loss is common and is usually influenced by genetics and hormones. Over time, affected hair follicles gradually shrink, producing thinner and less visible hairs.
An effective oral treatment could be a useful option for some patients, especially those who find topical treatments difficult to use consistently. However, oral hair loss medication is not suitable for everyone and should only be considered after proper medical assessment.
At Ailesbury Hair Clinic, we believe the first step in treating hair loss is understanding the cause, pattern, and progression of the condition. Every patient is different, and the right treatment plan may include medical treatment, PRP, low-level laser therapy, hair transplant assessment, or a combination approach.
If you are concerned about hair thinning or male pattern hair loss, a professional consultation can help you understand your options clearly and safely.
Ailesbury Hair Clinic
Hair restoration consultations in Dublin, Cork, and Tipperary.
source: https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/oral-minoxidil-pill-hair-loss-trial/?shem=dsdf,sharefoc,agadiscoversdl,,sh/x/discover/m1/4