Pyrilutamide (KX-826): does it work, and is it approved?

What is pyrilutamide?

Pyrilutamide (KX-826) is an anti-androgen applied to the scalp. The idea is that it occupies the androgen receptor locally, so that the hair follicle is shielded from DHT — the hormone that otherwise gradually shrinks genetically sensitive hair follicles. It is not approved for hair loss as of October 2026.

The target is the same as finasteride's (the DHT signal), but pyrilutamide is topical and is intended to work locally without affecting hormones throughout the body. The treatment is being developed by the company Kintor.

Does pyrilutamide work?

It is too early to say with certainty. Kintor has reported that a Chinese phase 3 trial met its primary endpoint, but the figures are company-reported and not published in a peer-reviewed journal, and an earlier US programme gave more mixed results.

Here, too, it is important to distinguish between mechanism and proven effect. A mechanism that makes sense and a company-reported result are not the same as independently confirmed effect. The mixed US history is a reminder that new hair loss treatments can disappoint late in the process.

Is pyrilutamide approved, and when could it arrive?

No, it is not approved for hair loss in any country. There have been reports that an application for approval in China is on the way, but it has not been confirmed that it has been submitted. Any year for a possible launch is uncertain.

An approval in Denmark and the EU would, if it happens, come after an approval in China or the US. We update the status here when new, documented results arrive. See the full overview in our guide to new hair loss treatments.

Is a “KX-826 cosmetic” the same as the drug?

No. A “KX-826 cosmetic” is sold online, but a cosmetic product has neither been tested nor regulated as medicine. It is not the same as an approved drug, and you do not know what you are actually getting.

Do not mix up pyrilutamide with VDPHL01 either. Despite the technical name, VDPHL01 is something else entirely — a long-acting tablet form of minoxidil that is under development. Never buy unregulated substances to apply to your scalp; treat the experimental treatments as something you follow, not something you obtain. A related experimental anti-androgen is RU58841 — see the related article below.

Sources

1. ClinicalTrials.gov. Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of KX-826 in Male Subjects With Androgenetic Alopecia (US phase 2, completed). NCT05218642. clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05218642
2. ClinicalTrials.gov. Phase III Study of KX-826 With Adult Male Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia (China phase 3). NCT06126965. clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06126965

This article summarises published research. It is general educational information, not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to start, stop or change any medication. Prescription drugs carry contraindications and interactions; discuss them with a doctor who knows your medical history.