UK-5099

What it is

UK-5099 is a tool compound for studying the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier. It is not a medicine and was not made for human use.

How it works

Hair follicle stem cells use glycolysis and make more lactate than other skin cells. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was required for activation, and deleting the carrier gene or inhibiting the carrier raised lactate and accelerated the hair cycle (Flores 2017).

What the studies show

• In mice with resting follicles, a 20 micromolar UK-5099 gel produced pigmentation and growth after about 8 days and full growth phase by about 14 days, while vehicle showed none. A second compound that activates a different pathway also induced growth (Flores 2017).
• Mouse hair cycles are synchronised and mouse skin is thinner than human scalp, so results do not transfer directly. No human data exist.

How it's used in studies

• A 20 micromolar gel on the backs of mice, about 6 mice per condition.

Side effects and safety

• Not studied for human use. Minor thickening of the skin's top layer was noted in mice.

Bottom line

UK-5099 was the first step toward a clinical-stage topical (PP405), but there is no reason to apply a research chemical to the scalp. Discuss with a doctor.

Fun facts

• Hair-cycle activation in a mouse took about 8 to 14 days of gel, with vehicle-treated animals showing nothing in the same period (Flores 2017).