Peptide Schedule
PTD-DBM15 residues (approx.)RRRRRRRRYKQFRDHEach bubble = one amino acid. Size = residue mass. Color = chemical class.Uses closest standard amino acids for non-standard residues.PTD-DBM
Benefits
About PTD-DBM
PTD-DBM (Protein Transduction Domain-fused Dishevelled Binding Motif) is a synthetic peptide developed at Yonsei University that activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by competitively disrupting the binding between CXXC5 and Dishevelled (Dvl). CXXC5 is a zinc finger protein overexpressed in balding scalps that acts as a negative regulator of hair follicle regeneration. By blocking this interaction, PTD-DBM restores Wnt signaling, promoting hair regrowth and wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis. In animal studies, topical PTD-DBM combined with valproic acid produced significant new follicle formation within 28 days.
Who Should Consider PTD-DBM
- Adults with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss)
- Individuals with CXXC5-mediated Wnt pathway suppression in scalp tissue
- Patients seeking non-systemic, topical alternatives to finasteride or minoxidil
- Adults interested in wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis protocols
- Individuals combining peptide therapy with microneedling for hair restoration
How PTD-DBM Works
PTD-DBM competitively binds to Dishevelled (Dvl), preventing the negative regulator CXXC5 from interacting with Dvl at the upstream of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In balding scalps, CXXC5 is overexpressed and suppresses Wnt signaling by sequestering Dvl. By disrupting this protein-protein interaction, PTD-DBM restores β-catenin nuclear translocation and activates downstream transcription of hair growth genes. This reactivates dormant follicles and supports wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis (WIHN). The PTD (protein transduction domain) portion — an octa-arginine sequence — enables the peptide to penetrate skin cells when applied topically.
What to Expect
Scalp adjusts to topical application. No visible hair changes yet. Mild redness possible with microneedling. Wnt/β-catenin signaling begins to reactivate in follicular cells.
Early follicle stimulation may begin. Vellus (fine) hair density may increase in treated areas. Continued consistent application is critical for cumulative signaling effects.
Visible improvements in hair density and thickness reported in animal models at comparable timepoints. Terminal hair conversion from vellus hairs may begin. Best results seen with PTD-DBM + valproic acid combination.
Continued follicle maturation and hair cycle normalization. New follicle formation (neogenesis) possible in areas with microneedling. Application frequency can be reduced to every 10-15 days for maintenance.
Maintenance phase. Ongoing application at reduced frequency to preserve gains. Long-term human efficacy data is still limited — results extrapolated from preclinical models.
Dosing Protocol
| Level | Dose / Injection | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 500mcg | Weekly |
| Moderate | 1mg | Weekly |
| Aggressive | 1mg | 2x/week |
Note: Topical peptide targeting CXXC5-Dvl interaction. Applied as scalp spray or serum. Often combined with valproic acid and microneedling for synergistic effect. No injection required — topical application only.
How to Inject PTD-DBM
Apply topically to clean, dry scalp targeting affected areas. Use as a spray or serum once daily, or at 0.5-1 mg/mL concentration once weekly via microneedling. For enhanced results, combine with topical valproic acid. Microneedling (0.5-1.5mm depth) 1-2 times weekly improves peptide penetration. Avoid washing hair for at least 4 hours after application.
Cycling Protocol
Apply topically for 12 weeks to assess response. Can be extended if well-tolerated. Frequency may be reduced from weekly to every 10-15 days after 2 months. Often paired with valproic acid topical and microneedling 1-2x/week.
Pharmacokinetics
Source: Estimated from general small peptide degradation kinetics; no specific PK study for PTD-DBM published. Topical residence time likely longer due to skin depot effect.
Loading the interactive decay curve.
Side Effects
Generally well-tolerated topically. Mild scalp irritation or redness possible, especially when combined with microneedling. Allergic reactions are rare. Systemic side effects unlikely due to local application. Long-term safety data in humans is limited.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — no safety data available in these populations
- Active scalp infections, open wounds, or dermatitis — resolve before beginning treatment
- Known hypersensitivity to PTD-DBM or any formulation excipients
- History of skin cancer or active malignancy — Wnt/β-catenin activation may theoretically promote tumor growth
- Children and adolescents under 18 — not studied in pediatric populations
Drug Interactions
- Valproic acid (topical) — intentionally combined for synergistic Wnt activation; monitor for increased scalp irritation
- Finasteride/dutasteride — may be used concurrently as they target different pathways (5α-reductase vs. CXXC5-Dvl); no known direct interaction
- Minoxidil — can be used alongside PTD-DBM; separate application times by at least 2 hours to avoid formulation interference
- Immunosuppressants (topical corticosteroids) — may attenuate Wnt pathway activation; avoid concurrent application to the same area
- Other Wnt pathway activators (lithium, GSK-3β inhibitors) — potential additive Wnt signaling; use with caution due to limited safety data
Storage & Stability
Molecular Profile
Related Peptides
References
- Targeting of CXXC5 by a Competing Peptide Stimulates Hair Regrowth and Wound-Induced Hair Neogenesis (J Invest Dermatol 2017)PubMed 28595998
- CXXC5 Mediates DHT-Induced Androgenetic Alopecia via PGD2 (Cells 2023)PubMed 36831222
- Revolutionary Approaches to Hair Regrowth: Follicle Neogenesis, Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling, and Emerging Therapies (Cells 2025)Review