Nanocarrier-Based Delivery of Minoxidil: Current Perspectives and Future Directions in Alopecia Therapy

The predominant type of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is genetically inherited and primarily affects the frontal and central scalp. AGA develops when the enzyme 5-Alpha Reductase (5-AR) converts testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to shrinking hair follicles. Currently, the FDA has approved finasteride and minoxidil for treatment, but their limitations have prompted investigation into advanced drug delivery methods. Nanocarriers such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and transferosomes show potential for targeted delivery in treating AGA. They enhance drug stability, target delivery, and sustained release while reducing systemic exposure. Innovations like antioxidant formulations and spironolactone-loaded nanoparticles aim to combat AGA by reducing oxidative stress and blocking androgen receptors. Despite promising preclinical results, challenges in clinical translation include the need for reliable trials, funding, and regulatory approval. This review underscores the necessity for clinical validation and scalable production in realizing the transformative potential of nanotechnology for AGA treatment.