What Is Pyrilutamide (KX-826)?
Pyrilutamide, also known as KX-826, is a topical androgen receptor-blocking drug being developed by Kintor Pharmaceutical Ltd. for the treatment of pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Pyrilutamide has successfully completed phase II clinical trials in men in China. It's currently being studied in clinical trials for both men and women in China and men in the United States.
Additionally, Kintor's hair loss drug is also being explored as a treatment for acne vulgaris. The use of pyrilutamide as a treatment for acne vulgaris is still in the preclinical stage in the United States, but it's already started phase II clinical trials in China.
How Does Pyrilutamide Work for Hair Loss?
Androgen receptor blockers like pyrilutamide are a bit like the oral dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blockers finasteride and dutasteride. However, these DHT-blocking pills work by targeting the 5-α-reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. Pyrilutamide works by targeting the androgen receptor itself.
Ultimately, though, the end goal is the same. Whether you're using finasteride, dutasteride, or pyrilutamide, DHT - the main hormone involved in the progression of pattern baldness - is blocked, which helps improve hair loss and stops future hair loss.
