Calvitie: Have We Discovered the Ultimate Solution for Hair Loss?

[Article déjà publié le 31 mars 2025]

Initially, there was no question of baldness at all. The researchers wanted to study the role of 2DDR in the healing of wounds. Surprisingly, they then observed that the hairs around the treated wounds pushed faster than those of the untreated areas. This discovery led to a series of experiences aimed at testing the effect of 2DDR on hair growth.

Encouraging results on mice

To verify this hypothesis, scientists have created a hair loss model in mice by inducing a hair drop similar to that observed in humans, due to testosterone. Then they applied small doses of 2DDR to the scalp of rodents. The results were impressive:

• Significant increase in the length and diameter of the hair follicles
• Increase in the number of blood vessels around the follicles
• Improvement of the hair growth cycle, promoting rapid regrowth
• Efficiency comparable to that of minoxidil, one of the only treatments authorized against baldness

In other words, the mice treated with the 2DDR presented a capillary density significantly higher than those of the control group.

How does this sugar work?

The mechanism behind this discovery is based on neoangiogenesis, that is to say the creation of new blood vessels. 2-Desoxy-d-Ribose acts as a natural stimulant, promoting better blood irrigation of hair follicles, which provides more oxygen and nutrients to cells responsible for hair growth.

Unlike current treatments such as minoxidil, which dilates blood vessels to improve traffic, 2DDR would directly stimulate the formation of new vessels. This approach could offer an additional advantage by extending the growth phase of the hair (anagène phase) and by reducing the premature fall of the follicles.

Hope for people with baldness

Today, only two drug treatments are commonly used against baldness:

• Minoxidil : a lotion to be applied directly to the scalp, whose efficiency varies according to individuals.

• The finasteride : an oral drug that blocks the transformation of testosterone into DHT, a hormone responsible for the miniaturization of hair follicles. However, this treatment is reserved for men and can lead to undesirable side effects.

In France, these treatments are available in pharmacies and supervised by the ANSM. However, they don't work for everyone and can cause side effects.

The interest of the 2DDR lies in the fact that it is a natural, inexpensive and stable molecule. It could be integrated in the form of frost, lotion or dressing to promote hair regrowth. In addition, according to current research, it would have no major side effects.

Credits: LightFieldStudios/ISTOCK

A treatment soon available?

Although the results on mice are extremely promising, it is important to remain cautious. The trials on humans have not yet been conducted, and it will take several years before this treatment can be envisaged for consumer use.

However, researchers are optimistic and believe that the 2DDR could represent a new revolutionary approach in the fight against baldness. “” Our research suggests that the solution to the treatment of hair loss could be as simple as the use of natural deoxyribose sugar to stimulate blood irrigation of hair follicles and thus promote hair growth “Explains Sheila Macneil, professor emeritus of tissue engineering at the University of Sheffield.

Muhammed Yar, associate professor at the Comsats University of Pakistan, adds: ” This pro-angiogenic deoxyribose sugar is natural, inexpensive and stable. This makes it an interesting candidate to explore further for the treatment of hair loss in men. »»

If 2-desoxy-d-ribose successfully passes clinical tests in humans, it may well become an effective alternative and accessible to current treatments against hair loss. Its innovative mode of action, based on the regeneration of blood vessels, opens the way to new therapeutic strategies against baldness.

So, is the end of baldness close? It is still too early to assert it, but this discovery brings a wind of hope to those who dream of finding dense and vigorous hair. Business to follow!

Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology