The number of novel AI-developed hair loss products keeps proliferating. The latest one is South Korea based LG AI Research and its AI-developed Rhamsydil. It is a cosmeceutical type product, so there will be no need for it to go through any clinical trials. In fact the company plans to release Rhamsydil in 2026.
Rhamsydil: LG’s AI-Driven Hair Loss Solution Set to Launch in 2026
LG (a multinational conglomerate) via LG AI Research has used artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a novel compound called Rhamsydil to treat hair loss. The main ingredient activates a key estrogen receptor on the scalp. The company presented its new AI-developed products at last week’s International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) in Seoul (video at the bottom). ICML is one of the world’s three most prominent AI and machine learning conferences per Korea Herald.
LG created Rhamsydil using its flagship AI model EXAONE. Their EXAONE Discovery platform is designed to accelerate the discovery of advanced materials and drug candidates. Rhamsydil was discovered by LG Household & Health Care in collaboration with LG AI Research. The latter used AI to screen more than 420,000 candidate compounds in just one day. Per the company:
“The ingredient has demonstrated hair-loss prevention efficacy without steroid-derived compounds.”
The research behind this product was presented at the 14th World Congress for Hair Research that was held in South Korea in May 2026. Rhamsydil is being prepared for commercialization in 2026.
Estrogen Receptor Activation
On Linkedin, LG Household & Healthcare makes the following claim:
“Using AI-powered screening on around 420,000 candidate molecules, LG H&H identified a vitamin A–derived, non-steroidal ingredient that can activate a key estrogen receptor linked to women’s hair health. In testing, this ingredient helped create a more favorable environment for hair growth, supporting both hair follicles and their stem cells, and showed visible improvements in hair thickness in clinical evaluation. Rhamsydil has been shown in lab studies to help reduce signals that push hair into the shedding phase, pointing to its potential as a next-generation “scalp longevity” ingredient.”
Since its inception in December 2020, LG AI Research has published 363 papers at the world’s leading AI conferences. The institute has also to date filed 838 patent applications (371 domestic patents, 243 international patents and 224 PCT applications),
Per Lim Woo-hyung (the co-director of LG AI Research), EXAONE has evolved into an expert AI system that delivers real-world solutions. It is poised to claim global AI leadership through a first mover strategy and a pioneering approach to solving complex industrial challenges.
Veradermics (US) is working on a new extended-release oral Minoxidil tablet to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The product is called VDPHL01 and is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. Also see my past posts on immediate-releaselow-dose oral Minoxidil and sublingual Minoxidil.
Note that this post was originally written in August 2024. The top half contains new updates in reverse chronological order.
Veradermics VDPHL01 extended-release oral Minoxidil. Before and after hair growth photos.
Update: July 15, 2026
Veradermics VDPHL01 Delivers Positive Phase 2 Clinical Trial Results in Female Pattern Hair Loss
Even though I mentioned it in an old update, I forgot that Veradermics oral extended-release Minoxidil tablets were also being tested in females. Today, the company announced positive topline results from its open-label Phase 2 clinical trial (Study ‘207’) evaluating VDPHL01 in females with mild-to-moderate pattern hair loss. More here.
Participants achieved an average increase in non-vellus hair counts of 22.7 hairs/cm² and 23.3 hairs/ cm² in once daily and twice daily VDPHL01 4.5mg treatment arms, respectively. So almost a negligible difference, meaning that once daily treatment will likely be sufficient if these results hold in future trials. (Note that results in males that I discussed in April 2026 showed an increase of 30.3 hairs/cm² and 33.0 hairs/ cm² in once daily and twice daily VDPHL01 8.5mg treatment arms, respectively).
88.9% of participants in the once daily dose arm and 90.0% of participants in the twice daily dose arm achieved ‘improved’ or ‘much improved’ hair coverage. These classifications are based on the Androgenetic Alopecia Impact Rating Scale (AAIRS).
There were no treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs) or adverse events of special interest (AESIs) of cardiac origin. They do not mention anything about the most common side effect of oral minoxidil in the form of hirsutism (excess body hair, especially on the face).
The ongoing Study ‘306‘ Phase 2/3 trial evaluating VDPHLO1 in females with pattern hair loss has an anticipated 1H 2027 readout date. Female trial enrollment link.
They also mention that the topline results from the ongoing Study ‘304‘ second Phase 3 male trial are anticipated in the second half of 2026. Study ‘302‘ topline results for men were released in April 2026 (see my update further below).
Over 100,000 People Applied to Participate in Veradermics Trials
Also of interest, in a recent interview, Veradermics CEO Reid Waldman mentioned that over 100,000 people submitted and passed an online screener to try and participate in one of their ongoing trials. Quite extraordinary, although they were aided by a lot of digital advertising.
Veradermics just announced positive topline results from Part A of its randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2/3 clinical trial to evaluate VDPHL01 for male pattern hair loss. The company’s stock price “MANE” rose almost 50% in early trading (it is currently up 35%). Make sure to go through their detailed Presentation Slides from today for more details, including very encouraging before and after photos. A quote from there:
VDPHL01 is designed to deliver nearly twice the total amount of minoxidil over 12h and maintains concentrations above the hair growth threshold twice as long vs. a 2.5 mg IR tablet.”
The trial (referred to as Study “302“) enrolled 519 patients who were randomized to receive either VDPHL01 8.5mg once daily (QD); VDPHL01 8.5mg twice daily (BID); or placebo. The results met all primary and all key secondary endpoints with statistical significance. There was a rapid and consistent response across patients, with a “robust” increase in hair count. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs), nor any adverse events of special interest (AESIs) of cardiac origin. Key quote:
“Patients achieved an average increase in non-vellus hair count of 30.3 hairs/cm² (p<0.0001) and 33.0 hairs/cm² (p<0.0001) in once daily and twice daily VDPHL01 treatment arms, respectively. Those receiving placebo only showed a 7.3 hairs/cm² increase from baseline at Month 6.”
If such results were to hold for many years, this is truly impressive in my opinion. Even better than Finasteride (which inhibits the DHT hormone). But many people report that regular oral Minoxidil effectiveness declines over the years. So it is too early to get overly excited about extended-release oral Minoxidil just yet.
In terms of the less meaningful patient self-reported outcomes, following 6 months of treatment with VDPHL01:
79.3% of patients in the once daily dose arm and 86.0% of patients in the twice daily dose arm reported improvement in hair coverage on the Androgenetic Alopecia Impact Rating Scale (AAIRS).
A surprisingly high 35.6% of placebo patients also reported an improvement in hair coverage on the AAIRS scale. I am not sure why we see so many studies give significant emphasis to self-reported outcomes.
Additionally, 48.4% of patients in the once daily dose arm and 62.9% of patients in the twice daily dose arm reported “improved” or “much improved” hair coverage on the AAIRS (compared to 13.4% of placebo patients).
Veradermics believes that these results will lead to VDPHL01 becoming the first FDA-approved oral pill in nearly 30 years to treat pattern hair loss. Finasteride was approved in 1997. Note that Cosmo Pharmaceuticals’ Breezula is a topical solution that is also likely to get FDA approval (in 2027) to treat pattern hair loss.
Veradermics also announced that it completed enrollment in a second Phase 3 male trial (Study ’304’) in February 2026. Topline results are expected in the second half of 2026. They also have an ongoing Study ‘306’ Phase 2/3 trial evaluating VDPHLO1 in females with pattern hair loss.
VDPHL01 vs Rogaine Foam vs Oral Finasteride vs Oral Minoxidil
From the earlier linked presentation, they have an interesting hair growth comparison chart of: VDPHL01 versus Rogaine 5% Foam versus Oral Finasteride 1mg versus Oral Minoxidil 5mg. I will repeat that these results while impressive, are still not proven to be long-lasting.
VDPHL01 hair growth comparison versus Rogaine Foam, Oral Finasteride and Oral Minoxidil.
Update: March 28, 2026
Faster Onset and Superior Efficacy of an Extended-Release Oral Minoxidil Tablet (VDPHL01)
Veradermics is presenting at this week’s American Academy of Dermatology’s 2026 AAD Annual Meeting in Denver. Prior to the presentation, CEO Reid Waldman spoke with “Managed Healthcare Executive”. He said that VDPHL01 produced faster, more consistent and greater hair growth than existing minoxidil treatments.
Update: February 4, 2026
Veradermics just completed a successful IPO that raised $256 million. It is now listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “MANE.”
Update: October 16, 2025
Veradermics Raises $150 million in Series C Financing
Yesterday, we heard that Pelage Pharmaceuticals (US) raised a massive $120 million in Series B Financing. In 2026, they plan to begin Phase 3 trials for their hair growth product PP405.
Today, we have news that Veradermics has raised an even larger $150 million in an oversubscribed Series C Financing. And this is after they raised $75 million in 2024 from Series B Financing. Such numbers are unheard of in the hair loss world. Veradermics is already conducting multiple Phase 3 trials for their hair growth product VDPHL.
For context, in 2021, the esteemed RIKEN and Dr. Takashi Tsuji of Japan were finding it difficult to raise $5 million and even asked me to help them with the goal. And in 2025, Yunce Biotech (China) is finding it tough to raise just $2 million to move forward with their hair cloning work. See the most recent comments from reader “Jan Miedza” in that Yunce post. And in late 2024, the much hyped Stemson Therapeutics (US) folded because it could not raise sufficient funds. Many other hair loss companies that I have discussed on this site in the past folded due to lack of funds to proceed with tedious clinical trials and approval processes.
In the earlier mentioned press release from Veradermics, they do not mention any other ingredient besides extended-release oral Minoxidil in this VDPHL01 tablet. The do provide some great before and after hair growth photos from their Phase 2 trials:
Update: September 29, 2025
Early Study Finds Extended-Release Minoxidil Grows More Hair
An optimistic summary of the results from the 20-person Phase 2 trial of VDPHL01, with the volunteers taking 8.5 mg VDPHL01 twice daily for 4 months. In the control groups, 33 patients received 5 mg immediate-release oral minoxidil once daily for 6 months; and 34 patients received 1 mL of 5% topical minoxidil solution twice daily for 6 months. Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) was the primary outcome that was measured, and the IGA ratings were made by blinded investigators.
The summary contains an interesting quote from Dr. Jerry Shapiro (who it is mentioned has a financial relationship with Veradermics):
“A longer time to sulfate is what we want, so if we keep the drug in the blood longer, there is greater sulfation and more activity.
“Offers an opportunity to maintain drug levels above those needed for therapeutic effect, but below those associated with cardiac adverse events.”
Update: September 21, 2025
Veradermics Extended Release Minoxidil for Hair Loss: Superior to Topical and Oral Minoxidil
Veradermics presented its smaller 20-person Phase 2 trial results at this month’s EADV Congress in Paris. A post about this on Instagram is causing some excitement. It has two slides in there, and I will paste the main points below:
The doctor Congress attendee who made the Instagram post states that “Extended release oral minoxidil has superior increase in hair density compared to topical minoxidil and oral minoxidil. Phase 3 trials are underway.” So this confirms that VDPHL is extended release oral Minoxidil, even though Veradermics’ pipeline page still does not declare the key ingredient.
82% of VDPHL01 patients achieved moderate to great improvement versus just 20% of topical Minoxidil or low-dose oral Minoxidil users.
There is superior efficacy (3.5 times higher IGA scores) in a shorter time frame (4 months versus 6 months) compared to “competitors”).
Veradermics VDPHL tablet for hair loss. Pipeline screenshot from company website.
Update: January 2, 2025
Veradermics Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial Enrollment Link
Veradermics Phase 2/3 US clinical trial enrollment link is live. Their 40 plus locations are pretty widely spread across the country. Please note that we are not certain of the active ingredient(s) in this tablet. From the company’s patent, I previously guessed that it is an extended release oral Minoxidil, plus hopefully some other surprises (see bottom of this post). But it could end up being something totally different too.
The study involves 13 visits to a clinic over the course of 12 months. Participants will either get the new treatment or be part of the placebo group (that will still also get a tablet).
Update: December 11, 2024
Veradermics Raises $75 Million for Phase 2/3 Trials
Veradermics just raised $75 million in Series B financing (h/t “meko”). They have also initiated a Phase 2/3 trial for their lead candidate VDPHL01 for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The trial will enroll 480 patients across 44 sites in the US. Note that Veradermics also has an ongoing 20-patient Phase 2 trial for VDPHL. The company plans to report topline data from that Phase 2 study in the first half of 2025.
August 9, 2024
Veradermics VDPHL Tablet: Phase 2 Trials Begin
Veradermics is a US-based startup that is working on a new tablet to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA). They just started Phase 2 clinical trials for VDPHL01 in male subjects with AGA. Only 20 patients are enrolled, and the completion date is listed as August 1, 2025. The trial will take place at Therapeutic Research’s center in San Diego, California. Note that VDPHL likely stands for Veradermics Pattern Hair Loss.
The tablet does not impact hormone levels as do dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride. Thus avoiding potential side effects. Veradermics’ CEO is a young dermatologist named Reid Waldman.
Modified Release or Extended Release Oral Minoxidil
The mechanism of action (MOA) and key ingredient(s) in this tablet are both confidential. However, when I searched through the company’s patent, it seems like the drug candidate will be a “modified release” oral minoxidil tablet. In the patent, they use the term “extended release (ER)”. Note that they do not use the term “sublingual minoxidil” anywhere in the patent.
Other Potential Ingredients in VDPHL
In the patent, they also have a massive list of 191 claims. Within that section, all of the following drugs are listed 11 times each:
Setipiprant (11 times).
Valproic acid (11 times).
Cetirizine (11 times).
Medrogestone (11 times).
For long time readers of this blog, setipiprant (and Kythera) will ring a bell. It caused so much excitement a decade ago. I cannot believe that the very optimistic 9-yr old audio interview with Kythera’s CEO is still online. Setipiprant is an oral antagonist to the prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) receptor.
I covered valproic acid and hair growth in detail in the past. Follica also has a patent that covers valproic acid and hair regrowth. Valproic acid activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Cetirizine is a PGD2 inhibitor that has been shown to benefit hair growth even when used topically.
I have never covered medrogestone on this site before. Per Wikipedia, it is a progestin that is an agonist of the progesterone receptor and a weak anti-androgen. Progesterone is a female sex hormone that has beneficial properties towards hair growth.
