Our Science
THE BIOLOGY OF THE FOLLICLE.
Every hair grows from a follicle — a complex mini-organ anchored in the skin. At its base sits the dermal papilla, a cluster of specialized cells that governs growth signalling, cycling and pigmentation.
The Dermal Papilla
A cluster of specialized cells at the base of the follicle that governs growth signalling. Dermal papilla cells are a primary pharmacological target of minoxidil.
Follicular Signalling
Follicles respond to vascular, growth-factor and prostaglandin signals. Aneira's dual-mechanism approach engages two complementary signalling axes.
Terminal Hair Output
The length, diameter and pigmentation of the hair shaft reflect the strength and duration of follicular activity — the basis of the longer, thicker, darker objective.
The Hair Cycle
THE HAIR CYCLE.
Hair follicles cycle continuously. In androgenetic alopecia, the growth (anagen) phase shortens progressively and follicles miniaturize — terminal hairs are replaced by finer vellus hairs. Pharmacology that extends or reactivates anagen sits at the core of hair regeneration.
In androgenetic alopecia, anagen shortens progressively and follicles miniaturize. Pharmacology that extends or reactivates anagen sits at the core of hair regeneration.
Dual-Mechanism Hypothesis
TWO COMPLEMENTARY PATHWAYS.
Minoxidil engages KATP channel and dermal papilla biology with VEGF-mediated trophic support. Latanoprost engages prostaglandin follicular signalling with melanocyte-related effects. The combination hypothesis: complementary mechanisms may achieve what neither molecule achieves alone — a rationale being tested in Aneira's clinical programs.
MINOXIDIL
- Opens ATP-sensitive potassium channels
- Dermal papilla signaling
- VEGF / trophic support
- Promotion of anagen activity
Convergent
follicular
activation
LATANOPROST
- Prostaglandin follicular signaling
- Binds to the FP receptor
- Keratinocyte related effect
- Stimulates melanocyte activity
Designed to support terminal hair that is
References
SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES.
Key literature supporting the mechanisms discussed on this page. References are managed through the Aneira CMS.
- [1]
Minoxidil: mechanisms of action on hair growth
Messenger AG, Rundegren J. British Journal of Dermatology, 2004.
- [2]
Bimatoprost in the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis
Law SK. Clinical Ophthalmology, 2010.
- [3]
Aneira Pharma early clinical study data — scalp and eyebrow programs
Aneira Pharma. Company study reports; data on file, 2025.