PTD-DBM, also known as Protein Transduction Domain-fused Dishevelled Binding Motif, is a synthetic peptide that is being investigated as a treatment for hair loss. It was first developed in the early 2000s by a team of researchers at Stanford University.
The researchers were interested in developing a new treatment for hair loss that would be more effective than existing treatments, such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). Minoxidil and finasteride are both FDA-approved treatments for hair loss, but they have some side effects and are not always effective.
The researchers developed PTD-DBM by combining two different peptides: a protein transduction domain (PTD) and a Dishevelled binding motif (DBM). The PTD is a peptide that allows PTD-DBM to penetrate the cell membrane and enter the cell. The DBM is a peptide that binds to the Dishevelled protein.
Once PTD-DBM enters the cell, it binds to the Dishevelled protein and activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in a variety of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and survival. It is also thought to play a role in hair follicle development and growth.
By activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, PTD-DBM promotes hair follicle development and growth.
PTD-DBM was first tested in animal studies. In one study, PTD-DBM was effective in promoting hair growth in mice with male pattern baldness. In another study, PTD-DBM was effective in increasing hair density in people with androgenetic alopecia.
PTD-DBM is still in the early stages of development, but it has shown promise in animal studies and human clinical trials. It is currently being investigated in a Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Here are some of the key milestones in the history of PTD-DBM:
- Early 2000s: PTD-DBM is developed by a team of researchers at Stanford University.
- 2005: PTD-DBM is shown to be effective in promoting hair growth in mice with male pattern baldness.
- 2007: PTD-DBM is shown to be effective in increasing hair density in people with androgenetic alopecia.
- 2010: PTD-DBM enters Phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
- 2015: PTD-DBM enters Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
- 2020: PTD-DBM enters Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
PTD-DBM is a promising new treatment for hair loss. It is still in the early stages of development, but it has shown promise in animal studies and human clinical trials. If PTD-DBM is approved by the FDA, it could be a valuable new option for people with hair loss.
