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POSTED: 5 Oct 2025

Could MLPH Peptide Be a Game Changer for Hair Loss Treatment?

The search for better hair loss continues to be one of the most active areas in dermatology research. Despite the fact that affects roughly half of all adults, treatment options remain limited and imperfect. Currently, the only FDA-approved treatments are minoxidil and finasteride, both of which carry significant drawbacks and limitations. That is why whenever a promising new compound it generates huge interest. Joining the growing list of experimental hair loss treatments alongside , and is the novel MLPH. Developed by Korean researchers, MLPH has been designed to promote hair growth without the side effects that plague existing treatments. In this article, we explore what MLPH is, the science behind it and whether it could become a viable hair loss treatment in the future.

What is MLPH?

developed by a collaboration of researchers in South Korea. The team is based at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) and Kyungpook National University Medical School. They designed the peptide using computer-based structural modelling, with the aim of creating a hair growth treatment that works without the side effects associated with .

The concept behind MLPH stems from research into erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is a naturally occurring hormone whose role is making red blood cells. However, that EPO and its receptor signalling also play a role in hair follicle biology and can stimulate hair growth. The problem is that using EPO directly for hair loss could cause serious side effects like . This is where MLPH comes in. Using computer-aided drug design, OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow’s Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling the team essentially stripped away the parts of EPO responsible for blood cell production. They preserved only the components that promote hair growth. The result is a peptide that in theory offers the hair growth benefits of EPO without its dangerous haematological effects.

How Does MLPH Work?

To understand how MLPH promotes hair growth, it helps to understand the . Hair follicles cycle through phases of active growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and rest (telogen). In conditions like and , follicles spend more time in the resting phase and less time growing. Over time, they miniaturise and eventually stop producing visible hair.

MLPH appears to work by boosting the secretion of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in hair follicle tissue. IGF-1 is an which plays numerous roles. In the scalp, the dermal papilla cells secrete it. It plays a central role in hair follicle biology by promoting cell proliferation, improving blood supply to the follicle, extending the anagen phase and preventing premature follicle regression. In and pattern hair loss, IGF-1 levels in the scalp tend to be lower, which contributes to .

By significantly increasing IGF-1 secretion, MLPH seeks to reactivate dormant follicles stuck in the telogen (resting) phase. It then pushes them back into active growth. This is a similar mechanism to how works, albeit through a different pathway. It should therefore reduce some of the systemic risks of minoxidil, like low blood pressure. Additionally, unlike which works by , MLPH does not interact with this hormonal pathway at all. As such, it is less likely to carry the same as drugs.

What Does the Evidence Show?

According to the published data, in both human hair follicle lab experiments and animal studies. The peptide successfully reactivated dormant telogen phase follicles, them into the active growth stage. The researchers reported that the hair growth effects were comparable to . Crucially, there were no side effects such as higher red blood cell production during testing.

However, it is important to put this in context. Whilst the are encouraging, the research is still at a preclinical stage. The experiments involved human hair follicle tissue in the lab and animal models rather than full clinical trials in human patients. We know from experience that do not always translate directly to humans. There are no head-to-head comparisons with existing treatments in real patients and no long-term safety data yet. As with other promising compounds like and , larger-scale human clinical trials are needed. Only then can we draw firm conclusions about efficacy and safety.

Benefits & Possible Risks of MLPH for Hair Regrowth

Despite being at an early stage, the concept behind MLPH is genuinely compelling and some of the main frustrations with current hair loss treatments. Based on the published research, the benefits of MLPH include:

As with any experimental compound, there are also potential risks and unknowns. Possible concerns about MLPH include:

When Will MLPH Be Available for Hair Loss?

MLPH is currently at the preclinical research stage, having been tested in laboratory settings and animal models. Before it can become available as a treatment, it needs to go through several phases of clinical trials in humans. This is to establish safety, dosing and real-world effectiveness. Following successful trials, it would then require regulatory approval. This would be from bodies such as the or .

This process typically takes even in the best-case scenario. Realistically, even if clinical trials begin soon and produce positive results, MLPH is unlikely to be available as a licensed treatment for several years. It is also worth noting that 80% of compounds do not pass human testing.

Alternatives for Androgenetic Alopecia

MLPH is still in development and even if eventually approved may not be suitable for everyone. There are however a number of effective currently available. Below are the main alternatives to MLPH for hair loss treatment:

MLPH is an interesting addition to the growing list of experimental hair loss treatments currently being explored, and the early data is promising. Much like , , and , it has generated understandable interest. The idea of a peptide that stimulates hair growth without those side effects is worthy of excitement. So is the fact that it could be suitable for both men and women. However, it is still very early days, and substantial clinical research is needed before we know whether MLPH will live up to its potential. For now, it is another encouraging sign that the field of hair loss research is becoming more innovative. However, patience is needed whilst the science catches up with the hype.

We believe in a personalised to hair care, which is why we offer personalised and through our online clinic. Our doctors create custom hair growth serums using actives such as , , , , , and where appropriate. To start your personalised plan, book a or use . The journey towards great skin and hair starts here.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your hair or treatment options.