2-Deoxy-D-ribose hydrogel versus 5% minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia

Efficacy & Safety of Topical 2-Deoxy-D-ribose Hydrogel Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Clinical & Biochemical Randomized Controlled Trial

This trial will test whether a once-daily topical 2‑Deoxy‑D‑ribose hydrogel is as effective and safe as 5% minoxidil for adults aged 18 to 50 with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 50 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Kasr El Aini Hospital (Academic / other)
• Drugs / interventions: Chemotherapy
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo, Cairo Governorate)
• Trial ID: NCT07502976 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled study will enroll 60 adults with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia and randomize them to either 2‑Deoxy‑D‑ribose (2dDR) hydrogel applied once daily or topical 5% minoxidil applied per sex-specific dosing for six months. Participants will undergo clinical exams, trichoscopy, and standardized scalp photography at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24 to document hair changes. Scalp biopsies will be taken at baseline and after three months to measure tissue VEGF as a potential mechanism of action. Safety and adverse events will be monitored throughout the treatment period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–50 with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia (Hamilton-Norwood II–V for men, Ludwig I–II for women) who can follow daily topical treatment and attend in-person assessments are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of hair loss (scarring or inflammatory alopecia), active inflammatory scalp disease, recent chemotherapy, severe systemic illness, pregnancy or lactation, bleeding disorders, or AGA outside the specified severity ranges are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer an alternative topical treatment that helps regrow hair and may work by increasing scalp VEGF.

How similar studies have performed: Topical minoxidil is an established, effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia, while 2‑Deoxy‑D‑ribose has shown pro-angiogenic and hair-regrowth potential in preclinical work but lacks prior clinical confirmation.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 to 50 years.
* Male and female patients with androgenetic alopecia.
* Mild to moderate disease severity, defined as Hamilton-Norwood scale II to V in males and Ludwig scale I to II in females.
* Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other types of hair loss, including inflammatory or scarring alopecia.
* Psoriasis.
* Inflammatory scalp dermatoses.
* History of severe systemic disease, including renal, cardiovascular, or hepatic disease.
* Chemotherapy during the last 5 years.
* Pregnancy.
* Lactation.
* Bleeding disorders.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Cairo Governorate

• Kasr El Aini Hospital — Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Heba Ahmed

Conditions Androgenic Alopecia; Male Pattern Hair Loss; Female Pattern Hair Loss; 2-Deoxy-D-ribose; 2dDR Hydrogel; Hair Loss; Trichoscopy; VEGF