VDPHL01 shows faster, stronger hair growth vs standard minoxidil, CEO says | AAD 2026

New data on the investigational oral treatment, VDPHL01, for pattern hair loss show faster and greater hair growth compared with current options in the market, according to Reid Waldman, M.D., CEO of Veradermics.

Waldman spoke with Managed Healthcare Executive (MHE) prior to the presentation on these trial results that took place today at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting 2026 in Denver.

VDPHL01 is an extended-release oral minoxidil tablet created to improve hair growth while reducing safety risks linked to peak drug levels. The treatment is being studied for androgenetic alopecia, a condition that affects about 80 million people in the U.S.

Waldman told MHE the key takeaway from the presentation is that VDPHL01 showed stronger and more visible hair growth compared with existing minoxidil options. The findings are based on a blinded review by six independent dermatologists who evaluated before-and-after images without knowing which treatment patients received.

In the study, a higher share of patients taking VDPHL01 showed visible improvement compared with those using immediate-release oral minoxidil or topical minoxidil. The level of hair growth was also greater, with results showing nearly double the improvement based on investigator assessments.

“We saw a statistically significant increase in the number of patients with visible hair growth and nearly two times greater improvement compared with both oral and topical minoxidil,” Waldman told MHE. “These results suggest the extended-release approach may improve both how well and how consistently patients respond to treatment.”

The company also reported differences in how quickly patients responded to treatment. Patients taking VDPHL01 for two months showed results that outpaced those using standard therapies for six months, suggesting a faster onset of action.

Waldman said three factors stood out in the data: speed, consistency and intensity of response. More patients experienced noticeable hair growth, and the degree of improvement was greater even over a shorter treatment period.

If approved, VDPHL01 could become the first FDA-approved oral nonhormonal treatment for pattern hair loss in both men and women. Current options have remained largely unchanged for decades, and many patients report frustration with limited effectiveness and inconsistent results.