First long-acting hair regrowth pill hailed as 'new benchmark'

Original story by: New Atlas Last updated: Oct 17, 2025

Context: A new oral drug, VDPHL01, is undergoing Phase 3 trials and could be the first prescription pill specifically designed to regrow hair for both men and women. If approved, it would be the first new treatment for pattern hair loss in nearly 30 years and the first oral therapy for women by the FDA.
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Detailed Summary:
- VDPHL01 is an advanced version of oral minoxidil, a drug initially used for high blood pressure that was later found to promote hair growth.
- Unlike current oral minoxidil, which causes brief spikes in the drug and carries cardiovascular risks like pericardial effusion, VDPHL01 offers sustained release, minimizing these risks.
- It also avoids the messiness of topical minoxidil.
- Developed by Veradermic, the drug is in Phase 3 trials, with potential FDA approval sought early next year.
- Phase 2 studies showed significant hair regrowth in male participants (average boost of 37.5-47.3 hairs per square centimeter) and high participant satisfaction (nearly 91% reported visible improvement, 95% satisfied with coverage).
- Crucially, no serious or cardiac side effects have been reported in these trials so far.
- Experts believe VDPHL01 could set a new standard for treating pattern hair loss, which affects approximately 80 million Americans with limited treatment options.