SULT1A1 (Minoxidil Sulfotransferase) enzyme booster significantly improves response to topical minoxidil for hair regrowth

Abstract

Minoxidil is the only topical drug approved by the US FDA to regrow hair. It is approved for use in men and women and is a ubiquitous over-the-counter product. Unfortunately, minoxidil has a relatively low efficacy rate. In clinical trials, minoxidil was shown to regrow hair in approximately 35% of subjects after 16 weeks of use. 1,2 Compliance with the 16-week topical regimen remains a major barrier to success, while 30%-40% of subjects in physician-guided studies report success, that number is drastically reduced in subjects that self-administer minoxidil. 3 A Consumer Report survey of approximately 8,000 users of minoxidil found that only 4% of users were satisfied with the results of treatment. 4 Given the length of time required to observe efficacy, improving the number of patients

Alopecia Areata: An Updated Review for 2023

“… 117 In support of this theory is the benefit afforded with use of a newer formula that increases the activity of this enzyme in regrowing hair for males with androgenetic alopecia. 118 Multiple studies support efficacy of the 5% formulation in children and adults with patchy AA. 119 In a meta-analysis that included 6 studies ( n = 255), minoxidil use was associated with significant regrowth rates compared to placebo of 7.86 (95% 3.74,16.5).…”

Efficacy of Combinational Therapy Using Topical Minoxidil and Microneedling for The Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Minoxidil sulfate is the active metabolite required to exert the vasodilatory and hair-growing effects of minoxidil, and is catalyzed by SULT1A1 in the outer root sheath of suprabulbar hair follicles [33]. It is estimated that roughly 60% of the population has low SULT1A1 activity in their hair follicles, which is related to a decreased possibility that minoxidil will be effective in encouraging hair regrowth [34], [35].…”