Can RT1640 Reverse Hair Loss?

Every year there seems to be a new so-called "hair loss cure" on the horizon. In fact, every 10 years we're told that hair cloning is just another 10 years away, but nothing ever happens. Hair loss sufferers have been scammed, swindled and duped by snake oil salesman and con men since the beginning of time. One fact remains, hair loss is far from being cured. However, a new drug is in the development stages and is showing great promise, but will it be the hair loss cure that we've been searching for? Well, keep reading.

What is RT1640?

RT1640 is a drug that is made up of three molecules that work synergistically in three distinct pathways to treat hair loss. One molecule promotes the growth and migration of new stem cells. One molecule converts the follicular stem cells in to new hair and the last molecule protects the dermal papilla from the adverse effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the main hormone responsible for causing male and female pattern baldness. According to the creators Rivertown Therapeutics, Inc the drug will be equally effective for both men and women. At this time, Propecia (finasteride) can only be used by men.

The three active ingredients in RT1640 are cyclosporine A, minoxidil and a chemical called RT175. According to the co-founders of Rivertown Therapeutics, Inc the drug has been tested on over 600 humans and is safe for use with no serious adverse effects. Two out of the three ingredients have been approved by the FDA. However, only minoxidil has been FDA approved to treat androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). Cyclosporine A has been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent graft-versus-host disease in bone marrow transplantation. One of the reported side effects of the drug is hair growth.

Will RT1640 Be Applied or Ingested?

Many have speculated whether this compound drug would be applied or ingested. According to Dr. David Weinstein a neuroscientist that created the chemical concoction, the drug will be applied topically just like Rogaine (minoxidil). While there are many companies working on a "cure" for hair loss, only one company has boldly claimed to have already grew back someone's hair. In fact, that is the bold claim made by Dr. David Weinstein himself, in an interview Dr. Weinstein claimed to have regrown his own hair using his hair loss formula. Many have remained skeptical and kept their reservations especially considering such bold claims.

Drug Breakdown

Cyclosporine A is what is known as a Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor. JAK is a family of intracellular tryosine kinase. Tyrosine kinase is a in enzyme that's primary function is to act as an "on" or "off" switch in cellular functions. You may scratching your head thinking, so what does all this mean and how does it relate to hair loss? Well that's a great question, some time ago patients began to report hair growth as a side effect of the drug Cyclosporine A. It should be noted, that many of the patients who reported hair growth suffer from a specific type of Alopecia called alopecia areata, which is a condition that is a condition brought on by the immune system. Currently, the most common form of hair loss for men and women is hereditary hair loss, which is a genetic condition that is triggered by DHT. The treatment of each conditions are completely different.

Minoxidil has been around since the 80's and is the only ingredient that has been proven to work effectively in men and women with genetic hair loss. The exact mechanism of how minoxidil works is relatively unknown, but many believe that the drug can prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicle thus, delaying the miniaturization/balding process significantly.

RT175 is a proprietary chemical that has yet to be reviewed or approved by the FDA. Unfortunately, very little is known about this chemical, but it appears to be an anti-androgen that will be used to keep DHT from binding to the androgen receptor in the hair follicle.

Bottomline

The claims made by Rivertown Therapeutics, Inc are far-fetched to say the least, but will they deliver? Only time will tell. Sadly, there isn't enough clinical evidence or data to support such claims, but we do know that the drug will be at least somewhat effective because it contains one active ingredient that has been proven to be effective minoxidil. However, the other two compounds have yet to be studied and researched extensively for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. At this point, it is safe to say that RT1640 will be no cure, but it may be an effective treatment down the road. To date, there has been no release date set for this drug, it remains to be a somewhat promising experimental drug.