Actively Recruiting
Efficacy and Safety of Topical 2-Deoxy-D-ribose Hydrogel Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Clinical and Biochemical Trial
Led by Kasr El Aini Hospital · Updated on 2026-04-06
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of a topical 2-Deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) hydrogel compared with topical minoxidil 5% solution in treating mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in adults aged 18 to 50 years. AGA is a common form of hair loss influenced by genetic and hormonal factors, leading to progressive hair thinning and follicle changes. The study aims to assess these treatments and explore how 2dDR may work by measuring vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in scalp tissue. Sixty participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will apply 1 gram of 2dDR hydrogel once daily to affected scalp areas for six months. The other group will apply minoxidil 5% solution for six months, with men applying 1 cc twice daily and women applying 1 cc once daily. Both treatments target hair regrowth and scalp health. Participants will be evaluated through clinical exams, trichoscopic hair assessments, and standardized scalp photos at the start, week 12, and week 24. Scalp biopsies will be taken at baseline and after three months to measure VEGF levels and, in some 2dDR users, to examine hair follicle and blood vessel changes. Safety will be monitored by tracking adverse events and scalp condition throughout the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Topical 2-Deoxy-D-ribose Hydrogel Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution for Androgenetic Alopecia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 to 50 years
- Male and female patients diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia
- Mild to moderate disease severity (Hamilton-Norwood scale II to V in males, Ludwig scale I to II in females)
- Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Having other types of hair loss such as inflammatory or scarring alopecia
- Presence of psoriasis
- Presence of inflammatory scalp skin conditions
- History of severe systemic diseases including kidney, heart, or liver disease
- Received chemotherapy in the past 5 years
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Bleeding disorders
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 months
Participants apply either topical 2-Deoxy-D-ribose hydrogel once daily or topical minoxidil 5% solution (men twice daily, women once daily) to targeted scalp areas to treat androgenetic alopecia.
Visits at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24 for clinical evaluations and biopsies
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Kasr El Aini Hospital
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, 11555
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
H
HEBA AHMED
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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