SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH: PDRN

PDRN for Hair Growth: Clinical Evidence

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a pharmaceutical-grade DNA fragment derived from salmon that promotes hair regrowth by activating the A2A adenosine receptor pathway. It stimulates new blood vessel formation around hair follicles, suppresses chronic scalp inflammation, and protects follicular cells from DHT-mediated death.

Key Clinical Results at a Glance:

  • +17.9% hair count increase — Lee et al., 2015 (PubMed)
  • +53.1% hair thickness improvement with microneedling — Cho et al., 2016
  • 82.1% patient improvement rate — Thanasarnaksorn et al., 2025 (PubMed)
  • 300,000+ prescriptions with zero serious adverse events in hair loss trials
PDRN proven effective for hair growth
PDRN proven effective for hair growth

Why PDRN for Hair Growth?

PDRN works through two independent mechanisms to regenerate hair:

  • A2A Receptor Activation: Upregulates VEGF for perifollicular blood vessel formation, suppresses inflammation, and protects follicular cells from DHT-mediated apoptosis
  • Nucleotide Salvage Pathway: Provides building blocks for rapid cell division in the hair matrix, directly fuelling the anagen (growth) phase

Key clinical results: +17.9% hair count (Lee 2015), +53.1% thickness with microneedling (Cho 2016), 82.1% patient improvement (Thanasarnaksorn 2025)

SEE CLINICAL STUDIES

Watch: How PDRN Works

Rejuran c-PDRN — a pharmaceutical-grade polydeoxyribonucleotide derived from salmon DNA. See how c-PDRN activates the A2A adenosine receptor pathway to promote tissue repair and regeneration — the same mechanism that drives hair follicle recovery in clinical trials.

PDRN hair growth treatment increases hair count
PDRN hair growth treatment increases hair count

+17.9% Hair Count in 12 Weeks with PDRN

Study: Therapeutic Efficacy of Autologous PRP and PDRN on Female Pattern Hair Loss

Publication: Lee SH et al., Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2015 (PMID: 25524027)

In a controlled clinical trial of 40 female patients, 12 weekly intra-perifollicular PDRN injections produced:

  • +17.9% hair count increase (p<0.001)
  • +13.5% hair thickness improvement (p<0.001)
  • PRP+PDRN combination: +23.2% count, +16.8% thickness
  • Gene expression changes confirmed in tissue analysis
FULL STUDY ON PUBMED

+53.1% Hair Thickness with Micro-Channel PDRN Delivery

Study: Therapeutic Efficacy of 1,927-nm Fractionated Thulium Laser and PDRN on Pattern Hair Loss

Publication: Cho SB et al., Medical Lasers, 2016

In 16 patients receiving 12 weekly sessions, micro-channel creation followed by PDRN application produced:

  • Micro-channel + PDRN: +20.4% hair count (p=0.005)
  • Micro-channel + PDRN: +53.1% hair thickness (p<0.001)
  • Standard mesotherapy + PDRN: +9.7% count, +16.1% thickness
  • Micro-channel delivery 3.3× more effective for thickness
FULL STUDY
hair growth treatment with PDRN
hair growth treatment with PDRN
PDRN 82 percent patient improvement 2025 trial
PDRN 82 percent patient improvement 2025 trial

82.1% Patient Improvement Rate (2025 Trial)

Study: Polynucleotides as a Novel Therapeutic Approach in Androgenetic Alopecia

Publication: Thanasarnaksorn W et al., Archives of Dermatological Research, 2025 (PMID: 39951159)

28 patients received just 4 injections at 4-week intervals:

  • 82.1% patient-reported improvement
  • 60.7% dermatologist-assessed stabilisation or improvement
  • Significant hair diameter and density improvements from month 1
  • Zero serious adverse events
FULL STUDY ON PUBMED

PDRN VS OTHER TREATMENTS

PDRN offers unique advantages over other hair loss treatments. Unlike minoxidil (lifelong daily use) or finasteride (hormonal side effects), PDRN works through a natural tissue-repair mechanism with zero serious adverse events in all published trials.

Treatment Hair Count Thickness Evidence Key Limitation
PDRN (alone)+17.9%+13.5%RCT (Level II)Fewer large trials
PDRN + Microneedling+20.4%+53.1%Clinical trialRequires device
Minoxidil 5%+12-18%+8-12%Multiple RCTs (Level I)Reverses when stopped
Finasteride 1mg+5-15%+10-20%Multiple RCTs (Level I)Sexual side effects
PRP+15-20%+10-15%Multiple RCTs (Level II)Variable quality
PDRN + PRP+23.2%+16.8%RCT (Level II)Clinic-only
Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)Promotes growthThickeningIn vitro + clinicalFewer controlled trials

Key insight: PDRN and copper peptides work through complementary pathways — PDRN activates the A2A receptor for blood vessel formation, while copper peptides modulate TGF-β and Wnt/β-catenin signalling. This is why the Hairgenetix formulation combines both.

Frequently Asked Questions About PDRN and Hair Growth

What is PDRN and how does it help hair growth?
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a pharmaceutical-grade DNA fragment extracted from salmon. It activates the A2A adenosine receptor on scalp cells, which triggers three key processes: VEGF upregulation (creating new blood vessels around hair follicles), anti-inflammatory signalling (reducing chronic inflammation that drives hair loss), and anti-apoptotic protection (preventing follicular cells from dying). Clinical trials show +17.9% hair count and +13.5% thickness improvement with PDRN treatment.
Is PDRN safe for hair treatment?
Yes. PDRN has an excellent safety profile backed by over 300,000 prescriptions of post-marketing surveillance data. The manufacturing process removes all proteins from salmon DNA, eliminating immunogenic risk. In clinical trials for hair loss, no serious adverse events were reported.
How does PDRN compare to PRP for hair loss?
PDRN alone produced +17.9% hair count, while adding PRP increased this to +23.2%. They are complementary, not competitive — PDRN is standardised and off-the-shelf, while PRP requires a blood draw.
Why is microneedling combined with PDRN more effective?
Micro-channels increase absorption dramatically. The Cho 2016 study showed +53.1% hair thickness with micro-channel + PDRN vs +16.1% with injection alone — 3.3× more effective. This is why the Hairgenetix system combines PDRN serum with a micro-needle meso pen.
Can PDRN be applied topically or only by injection?
The 2024 Samadi et al. study demonstrated that a topical polynucleotide gel can improve pattern hair loss. Combined with microneedling, topical PDRN delivery replicates many benefits of clinical injection at home.
What types of hair loss does PDRN work for?
Published evidence supports PDRN for female pattern hair loss (Lee 2015), male and female pattern baldness (Thanasarnaksorn 2025, Samadi 2024), and frontal fibrosing alopecia (Passoni 2025 — a scarring form of hair loss).
How long until I see results from PDRN treatment?
The 2025 Thanasarnaksorn trial reported significant improvements from month 1. Most protocols show measurable changes within 8–12 weeks. Full results typically appear at 4–6 months.
Where can I read the original PDRN research studies?
All studies are on PubMed. Key references: PMID: 25524027 (Lee 2015), PMID: 39951159 (Thanasarnaksorn 2025), PMC: 5405115 (pharmacology review).

PDRN Hair Growth Treatments

Advanced Mesotherapy Hair Growth Serum (with PDRN) Hairgenetix PDRN hair growth serum benefits

Advanced Mesotherapy Hair Growth Serum (with PDRN)

Clinically proven Injectable Formula for Maximum Hair Regrowth

Powerful Ingredients. Targeted Delivery. Visible Results.

Designed for use with the Hairgenetix Mesotherapy Pen, the Advanced Hair Growth Serum is a clinically formulated, high-performance treatment that delivers essential growth factors, peptides, and nutrients directly into the scalp - where hair growth happens.

This science-backed formula is specifically developed to stimulate dormant follicles, strengthen existing hair, and promote new growth, making it an essential part of an effective hair restoration routine. 1 box contains 5 vials (1 month supply).
€99,00
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  • 1 Title
Hairgenetix hair mesotherapy kit with meso pen and hair growth serum At-Home Hair Mesotherapy Kit benefits for hair growth | Hairgenetix

At-Home Hair Mesotherapy Kit 6% off

Meso Pen + Advanced Hair Growth Serum


Unlock the power of professional hair restoration from the comfort of your home with the Hairgenetix Mesotherapy Pen. Paired with the Hairgenetix Advanced Hair Growth Serum for real, visible results.

Designed for maximum effectiveness, this innovative device combines precise micro-needle injections with Electromagnetic Stimulation (EMS) to deliver active hair growth ingredients directly to the hair follicles. By stimulating the scalp at a deeper level with microneedling, it enhances absorption, promotes new hair growth, and strengthens existing strands.
€298,00 €279,00
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The All-in-One Solution for Maximum Hair Regeneration

Achieve thicker, stronger, and healthier hair with the Hairgenetix Ultimate Hair Growth Package. A complete, clinically tested and proven system designed to target hair loss from every angle. This all-in-one bundle combines advanced mesotherapy microneedling technology, powerful serums, and essential hair-strengthening nutrients to deliver the most effective hair growth treatment available.
€382,90 €319,00
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Hair Mesotherapy Pen (with EMS)

Discover the power of professional hair restoration - from the comfort of your own home

Experience the power of the Hairgenetix Mesotherapy Pen, combining precise microneedle infusion and Electromagnetic Stimulation (EMS) to deliver active ingredients directly into your hair follicles. Used with the Mesotherapy Advanced Hair Growth Serum, it boosts absorption, stimulates new growth, and strengthens existing strands for visibly thicker, healthier hair.
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SCIENTIFIC STUDIES & MAIN CONCLUSIONS

1. Lee et al., 2015 — PDRN for Female Pattern Hair Loss

Main Conclusion: PDRN injections (12 weekly sessions) produced +17.9% hair count and +13.5% thickness in 40 patients (p<0.001). Combined PRP+PDRN was superior for thickness.

Full Study — PubMed

2. Cho et al., 2016 — Thulium Laser + PDRN

Main Conclusion: Micro-channel + PDRN: +20.4% hair count, +53.1% thickness. 3.3× more effective than injection alone.

Full Study — Medical Lasers

3. Thanasarnaksorn et al., 2025 — Polynucleotides for AGA

Main Conclusion: 4 sessions, 28 patients: 82.1% patient improvement, 60.7% dermatologist-assessed improvement. Zero serious adverse events.

Full Study — PubMed

4. Samadi et al., 2024 — Topical Polynucleotide Gel

Main Conclusion: First study on topical polynucleotide gel for pattern hair loss. PDRN compounds can be delivered topically, enabling at-home treatment.

Full Study — PubMed

5. Choi et al., 2017 — Hair Graying Improvement with PDRN

Main Conclusion: First report of hair graying improvement during PDRN treatment. Thulium laser + PDRN reversed graying via melanocyte stem cell renewal.

Full Study — Medical Lasers

6. Passoni et al., 2025 — PDRN + PRP for Scarring Alopecia

Main Conclusion: PRP+PDRN reduced hairline atrophy, stimulated vellus hair regrowth in frontal fibrosing alopecia. First PDRN use in scarring alopecia.

Full Study

7. Colangelo et al., 2020 — Systematic Review: PDRN Tissue Regeneration

Main Conclusion: 34-study systematic review confirmed PDRN promotes tissue repair via A2A receptor and nucleotide salvage pathway. All studies positive. Excellent safety.

Full Study — PubMed

8. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017 — PDRN Pharmacology Review

Main Conclusion: Definitive pharmacological review. Over 300,000 prescriptions safety data. Confirms efficacy for female pattern hair loss.

Full Study — PMC

9. Galeano et al., 2021 — PDRN Wound Healing Platform

Main Conclusion: PDRN upregulates VEGF, enhances fibroblast proliferation. 216-patient RCT: 37.3% complete healing vs 18.9% placebo. Establishes VEGF pathway relevant to hair.

Full Study — PMC

Full Study List (with links)

  • Lee SH et al., 2015 — PDRN + PRP for Female Pattern Hair Loss — PubMed: 25524027
  • Cho SB et al., 2016 — Thulium Laser + PDRN for Pattern Hair Loss — Medical Lasers
  • Choi YJ et al., 2017 — Hair Graying Improvement with PDRN — Medical Lasers
  • Samadi A et al., 2024 — Topical PN Gel for Pattern Hair Loss — PubMed: 38842633
  • Thanasarnaksorn W et al., 2025 — Polynucleotides for AGA — PubMed: 39951159
  • Passoni LD et al., 2025 — PDRN + PRP for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia — Hair Therapy & Transplantation
  • Colangelo MT et al., 2020 — Systematic Review: PDRN Tissue Regeneration — PubMed: 32757710
  • Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017 — PDRN Pharmacology & Clinical Use — PMC: 5405115
  • Galeano et al., 2021 — PDRN Wound Healing Platform — PMC: 8618295
  • Shin SM et al., 2023 — PDRN Effects on Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts — PubMed: 37350391
  • Kim ST, 2025 — PN vs PDRN Comparison Review — PMC: 12388916
  • Lampridou S et al., 2025 — PN in Esthetic Medicine Systematic Review — PubMed: 39645667
  • Oh N et al., 2025 — PDRN for Tissue Engineering Review — PMC: 11994882

Cite This Page

Hairgenetix (2026). PDRN for Hair Growth: Clinical Evidence. Retrieved from https://hairgenetix.com/pages/scientific-research-pdrn. Medically reviewed by Dr. Esther Bodde, MD.

This page summarises 9 peer-reviewed studies on PDRN for hair growth. All referenced studies are available on PubMed.

Written by Malcolm Smith

Founder, Hairgenetix · Researcher in peptide-based hair regeneration

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Esther Bodde, MD

Cosmetic & Medical Physician · Speciality: Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine

Last updated: March 2026 · All claims reference PubMed-indexed peer-reviewed studies · Copper Peptide Research · Microneedling Research · PDRN Research

Copper Peptide Research

30+ years of published evidence on GHK-Cu for hair follicle stimulation, Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation, and clinical results.

Copper Peptide Studies →
Scalp microneedling mesotherapy treatment with micro-needles for hair growth
Scalp microneedling mesotherapy treatment with micro-needles for hair growth

Microneedling Research

Clinical proof that micro-channel creation increases ingredient absorption by up to 3.3× and triggers the wound-healing growth factor cascade.

Microneedling Studies →