I first heard about Energenesis Biomedical (Taiwan) in 2018 via formerly highly active Japanese hair loss blogger Fuji Maru. The company was working on a new hair loss treatment called ENERGI-F701.
Energenesis AMPK Activator ENERGI-F701
The company’s technology revolves around the AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) enzyme. By enhancing the activity of AMPK, ENERGI-F701 supposedly boosts the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels of human follicle dermal papilla cells (DPCs). This in turn slows down hair follicle aging and prolongs the hair cycle.
Interestingly, metformin and rapamycin both impact autophagy via inhibiting mTOR and AMPK signaling. Both drugs are being heavily studied for potential human longevity benefits.
According to the company, ENERGI-F701 is also able to counter the negative effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) upon hair growth. This is per animal studies.
In 2018, Energenesis launched a Phase II clinical trial (NCT03351322) for female pattern hair loss (FPHL) at several medical centers in Taiwan. They would use a topical solution of ENERGI-F701. In 2019, they announced completion of target patient enrollment.
In May 2023, Energenesis Biomedical released a study in which they concluded that ENERGI-F701 solution was more effective in treating FPHL without initial hair shedding in comparison to Regaine® 2% minoxidil solution. Moreover, at 12 weeks:
- ENERGI-F701 increased hair counts from 80.8 hairs/cm2 to 92.9 hairs/cm2.
- Regaine increased hair count from 90.1 hairs/cm2 to 101.9 hairs/cm2.
- ENERGI-F701 caused a greater increases in the mean hair density and hair thickness compared to topical minoxidil 2%
However, during the past few years, the company has not announced anything on its news page about this product. I was therefore not planning to write this post for the time being.
However, I then happened to come across a 2024 video presentation from the company. In there, they discuss ENERGI-F701 and its possible future release as a cosmetic product (screenshot and video both below). And as in the earlier mentioned study, they show the results to be superior to minoxidil (Rogaine).
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Interestingly, I have mentioned ATP a few times on this blog.
- One of the way’s in which minoxidil works to grow hair is via the agonistic affects on adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels.
- The light energy from laser hair growth devices increases production of ATP. This in turn releases nitric oxide and boosts energy levels and oxygenation in hair follicles.
- The most popular hair loss shampoo in Japan is based on Adenosine and is called Shiseido Adenovital. The ingredient adenosine is itself very popular in Japan as a hair growth promoter.
- Some hair transplant surgeons use liposomal ATP spray after hair transplants in order to aid healing and graft survival.
A number of scientists have also found that longevity is associated with higher ATP levels.