VDPHL01 is an extended-release oral minoxidil formula that’s currently being trialled as a treatment for pattern hair loss. Early clinical trial results suggest it may improve hair growth while reducing cardiovascular risks associated with standard oral minoxidil.
VDPHL01 isn’t yet available, pending further testing, regulatory approval, and long-term safety data. This page will be updated with further news about VDPHL01 safety, approval, and accessibility when it becomes available.
Looking for new ways to treat your hair loss? Here, find out what VDPHL01 is, how it differs from standard minoxidil, and the latest evidence on the effectiveness and safety of VDPHL01. You’ll also learn when VDPHL01 could become available, who might be able to use it, and how it compares with existing hair loss treatments for pattern hair loss.
Key takeaways
VDPHL01 is a proprietary extended-release form of oral minoxidil being developed to treat male and female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
The slow-release delivery system of VDPHL01 is designed to maintain therapeutic minoxidil levels for longer, while reducing peak concentrations that may be linked to cardiovascular side effects.
Early phase 2/3 trial results for VDPHL01 in men showed promising outcomes, including increased hair density, strong patient satisfaction rates, and visible improvements from as early as 2 months.
VDPHL01 is a proprietary hair loss treatment that’s currently undergoing clinical testing in the US. VDPHL01, which is a type of minoxidil, is being developed as a specific treatment for androgenetic alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss).
VDPHL01 is an oral minoxidil formula designed to release the active ingredient more slowly than standard minoxidil. The release rate is predetermined and designed to optimise hair growth by exposing the patient to minoxidil for longer, without increasing the risk of cardiovascular side effects.
In both formulations, minoxidil dilates the blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the hair follicles.
Clinical trials are ongoing, so VDPHL01 isn’t yet available either on prescription or over-the-counter.
VDPHL01 differs from standard minoxidil thanks to its extended-release mechanism. It releases the active ingredient into the bloodstream slowly and steadily over several hours, rather than releasing it immediately (as in standard oral minoxidil formulas).
According to Veradermics, the manufacturer of VDPHL01, the extended-release delivery method has two benefits [1]:
Standard oral minoxidil has been associated with heart and lung problems in rare cases, including coronary artery disease, fluid buildup around the heart, and water on the lungs, leading to questions around the safety of oral minoxidil [2]. However, these risks are minimal in most patients, especially those using minoxidil to treat hair loss, as these doses are normally very low.
Topical minoxidil is a first-line hair loss treatment which isn’t generally thought to cause cardiac side effects. Oral minoxidil is less commonly used to treat hair loss, though it’s still always or often recommended by 64.7% of hair transplant surgeons [3].
Phase 2/3 clinical studies indicate that VDPHL01 is an effective treatment for male androgenetic alopecia [4]. Researchers found that the drug met all endpoints measured, with findings showing:
This study only included male participants, but Veradermics is running additional trials among women to determine the effectiveness for female patients, too.
It’s important to note that the only data on the effectiveness of VDPHL01 comes directly from its manufacturer, Veradermics. If the treatment is licensed in future, more studies will be needed to independently establish the efficacy of VDPHL01, especially compared with other hair loss treatments.
Should VDPHL01 become licensed in future, it could be available to men and women with pattern baldness. Current clinical trials are establishing who can safely use VDPHL01 to enhance their hair.
Because VDPHL01 is a type of minoxidil, it’s likely to be available to people who are already eligible to take oral minoxidil for hair loss.
If VDPHL01 is shown to have a lower risk of cardiovascular side effects compared with regular minoxidil, more people may be eligible to use it to treat their hair loss.
Clinical trials are still ongoing, so there’s no confirmed availability date for VDPHL01 yet. As of June 2026, Veradermics anticipate VDPHL01 will launch in late 2027 or early 2028.
The following current trials are still to be completed:
Further trial data is expected in the second half of 2026. A new drug application submission to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected in early 2027.
It’s unclear when or if VDPHL01 will be licensed by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). UK-based patients may need to wait longer before they can access this treatment.
It’s not yet known because the drug hasn’t been approved yet, but Veradermics has estimated a relatively high cost of $200 to $400 (approximately £150 to £300) per month [1].
This is substantially higher than finasteride and most other medical therapies currently on the market. A one-month supply of 1 mg finasteride costs around £15 (around $20).
Veradermics haven’t revealed much about the safety results of VDPHL01 so far, aside from stating no cardiac events were reported within the phase 2/3 trial.
Regular oral minoxidil is associated with certain cardiovascular problems [2, 5]. Veradermics has said [6]:
“Oral minoxidil carries a well-documented cardiovascular liability in its immediate-release form. High peak plasma concentrations are associated with fluid retention, pericardial effusion, and serious cardiac events at higher doses.”
However, it’s worth noting that cardiovascular issues are less common with the low doses of oral minoxidil (LDOM) routinely prescribed to treat hair loss [4]. A few case reports have shown that certain mild cardiac events (including rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure) may affect patients taking LDOM, though this is rare [5].
VDPHL01 is designed to reduce these risks while still encouraging hair growth. But more data is needed to establish the true impact of VDPHL01 on the cardiovascular system, as well as any other side effects that may present.
Veradermics hasn’t revealed the full list of adverse events associated with VDPHL01 use, but there’s a strong chance it could be linked with increased body hair growth.
Oral minoxidil works systemically, not locally — it doesn’t target specific areas in the same way as topical minoxidil. So if you respond to the treatment, chances are you’ll see more body hair growth, as well as scalp hair growth.
Hypertrichosis is one of the most common minoxidil warnings, especially for women. Men often accept this side effect, but it’s less well-tolerated in women, particularly if increased hair growth affects the face.
Clinical trials are ongoing to establish the safety and effectiveness of VDPHL01 for women [7]. It’s likely that the manufacturer will seek to make this hair loss treatment available to women if it’s shown to be safe and effective for female users.
VDPHL01 is one of the newer emerging formulas designed to stop pattern baldness. There are already two treatments licensed to tackle androgenetic alopecia — topical minoxidil and oral finasteride — with many other solutions also available off-label.
Compare VDPHL01 with other established hair loss treatments in the table below:
• Widens blood vessels so more energy and nutrients reach hair follicles, enhancing growth
• Dizziness
• Fluid retention
• Low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Rashes
• Itchiness
• Slows hair loss and can stimulate regrowth
• Low libido
• Depression and low mood
• Skin irritation
• Contact dermatitis
• Erythema (red patches)
• Problems with ejaculation
• Skin disorders, including acne, eczema, and folliculitis
• PRP contains growth factors that help with hair regeneration
• Swelling around the injection site
• Temporary discomfort
• Activates stem cells and growth factors that facilitate hair growth
• Increases absorption of minoxidil and other topical formulas
• Mild bleeding, redness & bruising
• Stimulates cell activity and blood flow to the hair follicles
• Treats fungal scalp conditions
• Reduces scalp inflammation that may contribute to hair loss
• Scalp oiliness
• Different essential oils have different mechanisms of action against hair loss
As you can see, there’s currently much more evidence for most other non-surgical hair loss treatments compared with VDPHL01. So if you’re experiencing increased hair loss, there are many solutions that could help.
The Wimpole Clinic is the fourth-oldest hair transplant clinic in the world, so we’re well-placed to help you tackle your hair loss. If you need professional advice on the right hair loss treatment for you, book a consultation with our team today.
VDPHL01 is only being tested as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss). If licensed, it may only be available to treat this type of hair loss, at least initially.
Regular minoxidil is known to help reduce symptoms of other types of hair loss, including alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and traction alopecia [8]. If VDPHL01 becomes licensed, it may eventually be available off-label for treating other causes of hair loss, as more evidence emerges to show its safety and effectiveness for these conditions.
If you’re struggling to control your hair loss, the Wimpole Clinic can help. Our experienced trichology team offers advice and information on many well-established hair loss treatments, each of which has years of evidence to back its use. So you can create a tailored treatment plan to slow hair shedding and even restore lost hair.
Our clinics can be found nationwide, so it’s easy to speak to a local hair loss specialist. Book your free consultation at the Wimpole Clinic and talk through your options with our friendly, professional patient advisors.
Learn more about VDPHL01 for hair loss in these frequently asked questions.
Yes, VDPHL01 is a type of minoxidil that’s designed to release the active ingredient more slowly and steadily than regular oral minoxidil. It’s theorised that this reduces the cardiovascular risks associated with standard minoxidil, while also keeping minoxidil levels above the hair growth-initiating threshold for longer.
The next phase of clinical trials for VDPHL01 for men is expected to conclude in 2026, with results currently pending.
Trials involving VDPHL01 for female participants are still recruiting. No estimated results date has been published for these trials.
It depends on when the new drug application is submitted, and how long it takes the FDA to approve this (if it does). Veradermics has stated it believes VDPHL01 will be available in late 2027 or early 2028, though this may be limited to the US market.
There’s no information yet on when VDPHL01 will be available in the UK.
Early results indicate that VDPHL01 can increase hair density by itself [4]. Phase 2/3 trials found an increase in hair density of more than 30 hairs per cm2.
You may be eligible to join a VDPHL01 clinical trial if you meet all the subject eligibility criteria. See opportunities for clinical trial participants on the Veradermics website.
No. Unlike finasteride and dutasteride, VDPHL01 doesn’t affect your hormones. That means it’s less likely to cause sexual dysfunction or affect your mental health compared with these treatments.
Full safety data is still pending, so the side effects of VDPHL01 are still unclear. But it may share similar side effects to non-hormonal hair loss treatments like regular oral minoxidil.
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Talk to a specialist
Dr Ahmad Moussa (GMC: 6065705) is an experienced hair transplant surgeon and neurosurgeon. His qualifications include a Master of Science degree in General Surgery, Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Doctorate degree in Neurosurgery and Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Neurosurgery. He is a member of the British Medical Association and the Society of British Neurological Surgeons. Dr Moussa has over 15 years’ experience working in neurosurgery. He is a GMC-registered and Royal College of Surgeons-certified Neurosurgeon.
Dr Ahmad Moussa’s training and subsequent work as a consultant neurosurgeon in the NHS has included performing intricate brain surgery while patients are fully awake to be able to safely resect complex brain tumours. This level of skill, expertise and familiarity with the scalp has allowed Dr Moussa to successfully step into the rewarding world of hair transplant surgery.
Dr Moussa is trained in FUT and FUE hair transplant techniques, including combining the two techniques when required to achieve the appropriate number of grafts without overharvesting. He successfully carries out hair transplant surgery for both scalp and beard hair loss.
