Evaluation of efficacy and safety profile of niosomal kopexil 1% lotion compared to niosomal minoxidil 2% lotion in malepattern alopecia

Background: conventional topical treatments for male-pattern alopecia (mpa) have limited penetration into hair follicles and unwanted side effects, resulting in low patient compliance. we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of niosomal kopexil 1% lotion compared with niosomal minoxidil 2% lotion in patients with mpa. methods: we conducted a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial at afzalipour hospital of kerman university of medical sciences, kerman, iran. thirty participants with mpa were randomized to apply 1 ml of niosomal minoxidil 2% lotion or niosomal kopexil 1% lotion twice a day for 24 weeks. we assessed the efficacy of treatments as the percentage of change in hair density in monthly sessions compared to the baseline using a dermatoscope; we also assessed patient satisfaction and side effects. results: thirty participants were enrolled, 29 of whom completed the study. the mean change in hair density was significantly higher with niosomal kopexil compared with niosomal minoxidil (23.2 ± 1.3 and 14.2 ± 0.2, respectively). the hair density increased by 57.6 ± 3.7% and 25.6 ± 4.2% in the kopexil and minoxidil groups, respectively (p < 0.001). patients reported significantly greater satisfaction with niosomal kopexil than with niosomal minoxidil (p < 0.001). no side effects were reported in either group. conclusion: despite the lower concentration, niosomal kopexil revealed significantly higher efficacy of treatment and satisfaction of patients compared to niosomal minoxidil.