New Sugar Discovery Offers Sweet Hope for Hair Loss

Original Post: July 2024 / Updated July 2025

Researchers at the University of Sheffield and COMSATS University Pakistan have uncovered a promising breakthrough in treating male pattern baldness—a condition that affects over 50% of men worldwide and many women too. This natural sugar, called 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR), has shown exciting potential to stimulate hair regrowth, building on research that started with wound healing.

The Core Study: In a key 2024 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, scientists tested a simple gel containing 2dDR on mice with testosterone-induced hair loss (mimicking human androgenetic alopecia). Over 20 days, the gel promoted new blood vessel formation, boosted hair follicle growth, and led to thicker, longer hair—results that were 80-90% as effective as minoxidil (Rogaine), the popular over-the-counter treatment. A follow-up review in the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association in June 2025 reaffirmed these findings, highlighting 2dDR’s low cost, stability, and natural origins as advantages over drugs like minoxidil or finasteride, which can sometimes cause side effects like scalp irritation or hormonal changes.

Key Findings:

• Hair Regrowth in Mice: Mice treated with 2dDR gel saw significant increases in hair length, density, thickness, and the active growth phase (anagen), with effects comparable to minoxidil. Combining the two didn’t add extra benefits.
• Blood Vessel Boost: The sugar encouraged angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth), improving nutrient delivery to hair follicles and potentially reversing miniaturization in balding areas.
• Comparable to Minoxidil: The effectiveness of 2-deoxy-D-ribose in regrowing hair was found to be similar to that of Minoxidil, a widely used hair loss treatment.
• Broader Potential: Early data suggests it could help with other hair loss types, like chemotherapy-induced alopecia, by revitalizing dormant follicles without the risks of leaky vessels seen in some growth factor treatments.

How It Works: The research began with exploring 2dDR for faster wound healing, where it was noticed that hair near treated areas grew quicker and thicker. This led to targeted hair loss tests. The sugar appears to work by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)—a protein that promotes blood flow and is also involved in how minoxidil and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments support hair growth. By enhancing circulation to the scalp, 2dDR may extend the hair’s growth cycle, reduce shedding, and awaken sleeping follicles, offering a “backdoor” way to stimulate healing without directly altering hormones.

Recent Updates: Since the 2024 study, progress has accelerated. In August 2024, 2DDR HEALTHCARE launched a topical serum blending 2dDR with peptides, exosomes, and cinnamic acid. By March 2025, they shared results from a customer feedback study: 92% of users reported no further hair loss, and 54% saw new growth within 60-120 days, with visible changes as early as 6-12 weeks. No side effects were noted, positioning it as a gentler alternative to minoxidil. The company plans a 9-month clinical trial in India starting late 2025 to test efficacy across hair loss types and long-term effects. Commercial products, like deoxyribose sugar gels on Amazon, have also emerged, though independent verification is very limited.

Potential Benefits:

• Natural and Affordable: 2dDR is a body-produced sugar that’s cheap, stable, and easy to formulate into gels or serums—potentially more accessible than pricey options like PRP or laser therapy.
• Fewer Side Effects: Unlike some treatments, early tests show no major issues, making it appealing for those sensitive to medications.
• Versitile Approach: It could complement existing therapies or stand alone, offering hope for the millions seeking non-invasive solutions.

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Expert Insights: Professor Sheila MacNeil from the University of Sheffield calls the results “promising early-stage work” that warrants more investigation, noting its ability to boost scalp blood supply naturally. Professor Muhammed Yar from COMSATS emphasizes its stability and ease of use, saying it could transform treatments for androgenic alopecia and beyond. While human trials are underway, experts like those at Bauman Medical stress monitoring developments closely, as individual results vary.

Looking Ahead: This research is evolving rapidly, with the upcoming India trial potentially paving the way for FDA approval. If successful, 2dDR could become a game-changer—safe, simple, and sweet. In the meantime, consult a dermatologist or hair specialist for personalized advice, and stay tuned for updates. At Bauman Medical, we’re excited to track these innovations and help patients explore the best options for vibrant, healthy hair.

For the latest updates and expert care, trust Bauman Medical for all your hair restoration needs.

References:

Anjum MA, Zulfiqar S, Chaudhary AA, Rehman IU, Bullock AJ, Yar M, MacNeil S. Stimulation of hair regrowth in an animal model of androgenic alopecia using 2-deoxy-D-ribose. Front Pharmacol. 2024;15:1370833. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1370833.

Dikici S, Yar M, Bullock AJ, Shepherd J, Roman S, MacNeil S. Developing Wound Dressings Using 2-deoxy-D-Ribose to Induce Angiogenesis as a Backdoor Route for Stimulating the Production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22:11437. doi: 10.3390/ijms222111437.

Dikici S, Bullock AJ, Yar M, Claeyssens F, MacNeil S. 2-deoxy-d-ribose (2dDR) upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stimulates angiogenesis. Microvasc Res. 2020;131:104035. doi: 10.1016/j.mvr.2020.104035.

Anjum MA, Zulfiqar S, Chaudhary AA, Rehman IU, Bullock AJ, Yar M, MacNeil S. Corrigendum: Stimulation of hair regrowth in an animal model of androgenic alopecia using 2-deoxy-D-ribose. Front Pharmacol. 2024;15:1499205. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1499205.

2DDR HEALTHCARE, LLC. Hair Loss Hero: 2DDR HEALTHCARE Shares Results From Customer Driven Hair Loss Research Study. GlobeNewswire. 2025.

MacNeil S, Yar M. Naturally occurring sugar 2-deoxy-D-ribose stimulates hair regrowth by promoting angiogenesis. Front Pharmacol. 2024;15:1370833. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1370833.

Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence. Probiotic blend reduces hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. Nutrients. 2024.

2-Deoxy-D-Ribose Sugar Deoxyribose Hair Growth. Amazon. 2025.

If you or someone you know has hair loss, hair thinning, baldness, or eyebrow / eyelash concerns, click to start either a long-distance virtual consultation OR an in-person, in-office consultation with Dr. Bauman. You can also Ask Dr. Bauman a Question or simply call Bauman Medical Group  at +1-561-394-0024.

*Each individual's treatment and/or results may vary