Pfizer's hair loss drug is called Litfulo (ritlecitinib). It is an oral, once-daily prescription medicine approved for the treatment of severe alopecia areata in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.
Pfizer alopecia medication trial results
After 6 months of taking ritlecitinib, a statistically significant proportion of patients experienced hair regrowth to at least 80% scalp hair coverage, compared with just a handful of patients taking the placebo.
The annual list price of ritlecitinib is US$49,000.
Minoxidil (Rogaine).
Many people prefer the foam applied when the hair is wet. Products with minoxidil help many people regrow their hair or slow the rate of hair loss or both. It'll take at least six months of treatment to prevent further hair loss and to start hair regrowth.
In summary, the clinical trial data showed that ritlecitinib is effective in regrowing hair in up to 43% of patients after 48 weeks.
Recommended for restricted prescribing by specialist only. Not recommended for primary care prescribing.
Matthew McConaughey attributes his hair regrowth to a non-surgical, topical treatment called Regenix, which he applied daily for ten minutes, calling it "manual labor" for his scalp, and continues to use, denying any hair transplants despite rumors. He found a bald spot around 1999, started using the Regenix ointment, and saw his hair come back fuller, claiming he has more hair now than before.
Key vitamin deficiencies linked to hair loss include Vitamin D, B12, Biotin (B7), and Iron, with low levels of these nutrients affecting hair follicle function, protein production (like keratin), and oxygen supply, leading to thinning or shedding; however, excessive intake of some vitamins (like A or selenium) can also cause hair loss, so a doctor should confirm deficiencies via blood tests before supplementing.
The "Big 3" hair loss treatments, popular in forums, are Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole shampoo, often combined to tackle hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) by boosting growth, blocking hormones, and reducing inflammation. Minoxidil (Rogaine) widens blood vessels, Finasteride (Propecia) blocks DHT, and Ketoconazole fights scalp fungus and inflammation, with microneedling sometimes considered a fourth addition.
More involved treatment options include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), in which a “patient's own blood is processed to concentrate growth factors and platelets and then injected into the scalp,” Ostad said. “It's one of the most well-studied in-office treatments for androgenetic alopecia in men and women.”
LITFULO is a treatment for alopecia areata and not a cure. It helps treat the symptoms of the disease. If you stop taking the medication, the symptoms may return.
We suggest that long-term use of finasteride and dutasteride may be associated with health risks including NAFLD, IR, T2DM, dry eye disease and potential kidney disease.
Many people who benefit from ritlecitinib notice an improvement in hair growth within the first 24 weeks (6 months) of starting this medication. The effect of treatment will be assessed by your healthcare professional from 36 weeks (9 months). If there is little improvement, the treatment may be stopped.
What type of hair transplant did Elon Musk have? There are two types of hair transplant techniques hair loss patients can choose from: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE). Elon Musk probably opted for FUT surgery to restore his hair.
Although hair re-growth may be possible, you should also know when to seek professional help. If the reason for thinning hair is genetics, it will not grow back on its own. To grow back a healthy, full head of hair, you'll need to take action, and that involves reviewing different hair loss options.
Oral finasteride is a prescription medication for men who have male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride slows the rate of hair loss and stimulates new hair growth by inhibiting the body's production of a hormone that destroys hair follicles.
Biotin remains commonly recommended by hair loss specialists at doses up to 5,000 mcg.
Japanese scalp treatments focus on cleansing, stimulating, and nourishing the scalp to create an ideal environment for healthy hair growth. These treatments remove buildup, improve circulation, and strengthen hair follicles, helping with early signs of hair loss and thinning.
The best hair fall diet includes protein-rich foods such as eggs, fish, and legumes; iron-rich foods like spinach and lentils; and vitamins from fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds. Including omega-3 fatty acids also supports scalp health.
In conclusion, while vitamin D is essential for healthy hair growth, too much can potentially lead to hair loss.
Although a deficiency in B12 may lead to hair loss, research does not suggest that people who do not have a deficiency can improve their hair growth by using a supplement. Nevertheless, getting enough vitamin B12 is essential for overall health. Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, dairy, and other animal foods.
In a post on her Instagram page, she wrote, “When I was coming up, I didn't know how to take proper care of my hair when I first started working in television and film — I had to learn about minoxidil from my hairstylist! And I've been using it ever since.”
The best hair regrowth shampoos often feature ingredients like biotin, caffeine, rosemary, niacinamide, and ketoconazole, with top-rated brands including Vegamour (best overall for many), Briogeo (peptide-focused), and Hairmax (scalp health). Key factors are supporting scalp health, strengthening existing hair to reduce breakage, and addressing hormonal causes, but remember shampoo is a supportive tool, often best used with medical advice for significant loss, says Hair Transplants Melbourne.
The Hollywood actor revealed he's been using finasteride for over two decades to fight male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles in genetically prone men.