All targets
Target workspace
ATP-sensitive potassium channel
Regulates membrane potential in smooth muscle and β-cells.
Pathway & druggability
Vascular tone / insulin secretion
Druggability: Moderate
Evidence behind this
Confidence score88%
Signal strength: HighLevel 1 (RCT + regulatory approval)
Evidence grade
Approved
Increased hair count and patient-reported improvement vs vehicle.
Mechanism
Topical minoxidil prolongs anagen phase; VEGF upregulation may promote follicular perfusion.
clinical trialfda labelPhase III
Authoritative sources
AI-generated summary
Generated March 15, 2026Last verified June 27, 2026
Topical minoxidil is FDA-approved for androgenetic alopecia, repurposed from oral antihypertensive hypertrichosis observations. Efficacy is modest but well-established in RCTs.
Source papers
- Olsen EA et al., 2002
This summary is AI-assisted and human-reviewed. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult authoritative sources and qualified professionals.