Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025

Mechanical and Controlled PRP Injections in Patients Affected by Androgenetic Alopecia
Published on: January 27, 2018
Advances in Transdermal Delivery Systems for Treating Androgenetic Alopecia
Shilong Xu1, Lian Zhou1, Haodong Zhao2
1State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China.
None:
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most prevalent form of alopecia areata. Traditional treatment options, including minoxidil, finasteride, and hair transplantation, have their limitations, such as skin irritation, systemic side effects, invasiveness, and high costs. The transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) offers an innovative approach for treating AGA by administering medications through the skin to achieve localized and efficient delivery while overcoming the skin barrier. This review systematically explores the application of TDDS in AGA treatment, highlighting emerging technologies such as microneedles (MNs), liposomes, ionic liquids (ILs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and transporters (TFs). It analyzes the underlying mechanisms that enhance drug penetration through hair follicles. Finally, this review presents a forward-looking perspective on the future use of TDDS in the management of AGA, aiming to provide insights and references for designing effective transdermal drug delivery systems for this condition.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Drug Delivery: Overview
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Non-Oral Extravascular Drug Absorption Routes
Lipophilic drugs that are stable at salivary pH (6) and exhibit minimal binding to the oral mucosa are absorbed more...
Routes of Drug Administration: Overview
Enteral administration refers to drugs absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. They can be swallowed (perorally), placed under the tongue (sublingually), or on the inner lining of the cheeks (buccally). Perorally administered drugs take time to be absorbed and have a slower onset of action. The rectal route is another form of enteral administration, which allows for...
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...

