Core Viewpoint - The research conducted by Chen Ting's team reveals that the bioelectric signaling of fibroblasts plays a crucial role in hair regeneration, with hyperpolarization promoting hair growth and depolarization inhibiting it [3][4][5][7]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study identifies that chromatin changes link the KCNJ2 gene in patients with congenital generalized hypertrichosis to distal enhancers [5]. - Upregulation of KCNJ2 in fibroblasts, rather than other cell types, drives sustained hair growth [5]. - Hyperpolarization of fibroblast membranes promotes hair growth, while depolarization halts it [5]. - KCNJ2-mediated hyperpolarization can reverse hair loss associated with aging and androgenetic alopecia [5]. Group 2: Mechanism Insights - The research indicates that the membrane potential oscillation of fibroblasts is particularly associated with the anagen phase of the hair cycle, where hyperpolarization is crucial [4]. - Inducing depolarization in fibroblasts can delay the anagen phase, while hyperpolarization can rescue hair loss in aging and androgenetic alopecia models [4][5]. Group 3: Clinical Implications - The findings suggest a novel therapeutic approach for hair loss treatment by targeting the bioelectric properties of fibroblasts [7].

Industry Overview - The hair medical industry in China is undergoing a transformation driven by upgraded consumer demand and technological innovation, with over 250 million people suffering from hair loss, resulting in a hair loss rate of 17% [1] - The issue of hair loss is increasingly affecting younger populations, with 60% of individuals showing signs of hair loss before the age of 24 and an 83% hair loss rate among those aged 30 [1] - According to Frost & Sullivan, the hair transplant market in China is expected to exceed 116.5 billion yuan by 2028, indicating significant expansion potential for the entire hair medical industry chain [1] Market Dynamics - The traditional hair transplant industry is experiencing rapid growth, with leading companies pursuing branding, chain operations, and capital market entry [1] - However, challenges such as long surgery times, poor customer experience, low follicle survival rates, lengthy post-operative maintenance cycles, and high complaint rates are hindering the growth potential of the hair care industry [1] Treatment Methods - The hair care industry encompasses various treatment methods, including micro-needling, medication, and surgical hair transplants, with micro-needling theoretically suitable for all hair loss demographics [2] - Research indicates that the inactivation of hair follicle stem cells and disruption of the hair growth cycle are fundamental causes of hair loss, emphasizing the importance of targeting these cells for effective treatment [2] Clinical Innovations - Recent collaborations, such as the one between Saiweisen International Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and several hospitals, have led to the development of the "collagen micro-needling" project, which has shown clinical efficacy in hair care [3][4] - Clinical evidence suggests that "collagen micro-needling" can improve scalp health, increase hair density, and promote hair thickness, demonstrating its potential and application value in the industry [4] - The commercialization of "collagen micro-needling" is expected to begin in the second half of 2025, with plans for broader application as more data is collected [4]

开拓药业-B(09939)发布公告，该公司自主研发、潜在同类首创的KX-826酊1.0%治疗脱发的关键性临床 试验III期阶段已完成全部666名患者入组。该项关键性临床试验採用II/III期操作无缝衔接设计，II期阶 段已达到主要研究终点，结果具有统计学显著性及临床意义，且有效性和安全性均表现出色。 该项关键性临床试验是一项多中心、随机、双盲、赋形剂对照的II/III期适应性设计研究，用以评估KX- 826酊1.0%和0.5%外用治疗中国成年男性AGA患者的有效性和安全性。该III期阶段试验在全国25家临床 研究中心开展，按照规定的给药剂量进行为期24周的治疗和2周的安全观察，预计在2026年初完成III期 临床。 除 826外用防脱液和祛痘膏等化妆品产品和化妆品原料外，本公司无法确保将能成功开发及最终成功销 售KX-826的其他产品。本公司股东及潜在投资者在买卖本公司股份时务请审慎行事。 ...

Summary of Conference Call Company and Industry - The conference call primarily discusses a company involved in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, focusing on products related to weight loss and hair restoration. Key Points and Arguments Compliance and Market Challenges - The compliance products have seen a slight increase in market share, now accounting for approximately 20-30% of the total market, indicating a shift towards more regulated products [1] - Institutions using non-compliant products face significant penalties if caught, creating a dilemma between using compliant products with potential negative feedback and non-compliant products with regulatory risks [2] Product Launch and Market Positioning - The company is preparing to launch its first compliant product in the weight loss sector, aiming to capture market share quickly due to the first-mover advantage [3] - The company has identified a gap in the market for localized fat reduction products, differentiating itself from competitors focused on overall weight loss solutions [4] Product Efficacy and Safety - The new product, a recombinant collagenase, is designed to minimize pain during use, with reported pain duration significantly lower than competitors, lasting only 2,000-3,000 units compared to over 7,000 for others [5][6] - Clinical trials show over 50% fat reduction in participants after one month and over 80% after three months, with a single injection providing lasting effects [7] Development Strategy - The company has a clear three-tier development strategy, focusing first on generating revenue from existing products, followed by the introduction of new drugs in the coming years [8][9] - The company aims to achieve over 100 million RMB in revenue from its flagship product within the first year of commercialization, which is considered a conservative estimate [31] Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The hair restoration market is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected increase to over 50 billion RMB by 2025, driven by rising consumer anxiety and stress-related hair loss [18] - Oral finasteride currently holds a significant market share but has side effects that the company's topical product aims to mitigate, offering similar efficacy without systemic side effects [19][20] Pricing Strategy - The pricing for the new products is expected to be competitive with international standards, with the topical finasteride priced around 1,400 RMB per bottle, which is lower than its overseas counterparts [24] - The company plans to maintain a balance between affordability and quality, ensuring that the products are accessible to a broad consumer base [25] Distribution and Marketing - The company has made significant progress in establishing distribution channels, with hundreds of medical institutions and pharmacies already onboarded prior to product launch [29] - Marketing efforts are being ramped up, with a focus on online promotions and influencer partnerships to maximize product visibility [15][28] Financial Performance - The company reported strong internal sales growth, with expectations for continued performance improvement as new products are launched [13] - Cost management strategies have been implemented, resulting in a decrease in absolute expenses while maintaining revenue growth [16] Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about its growth trajectory, with plans to expand its product line and enhance its market presence in the coming years [40] - There is a strong belief in the long-term potential of the brand, aiming for it to reach a scale of 1 billion RMB in revenue [40] Other Important Content - The company emphasizes the importance of safety and efficacy in its product offerings, particularly in the context of increasing consumer awareness and regulatory scrutiny [27] - The management team has a history of adapting quickly to market changes, which is seen as a critical factor in their ongoing success [36]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the significant shift in the hair transplant industry with the introduction of a "taxi-style pricing scheme" by the National Medical Insurance Administration, moving away from the controversial fixed-price model to a per-follicle pricing system [1] - The hair transplant industry is currently facing challenges, as exemplified by Yonghe's financial performance, which has shown continuous losses since its IPO in 2021, with net profits of 120 million yuan, -85.85 million yuan, -546 million yuan, and -226 million yuan from 2021 to 2024 [1] - In contrast, the market for hair loss treatment drugs, particularly Minoxidil, is thriving, with Mandey's sales revenue projected to reach 1.337 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of approximately 18.9% [1] Group 2 - Mandey has maintained a dominant market position, with over 50% market share in 2024, and has consistently held more than 70% market share from 2017 to 2022 [4] - The younger demographic is increasingly affected by hair loss, with over 2.5 billion people in China experiencing this issue, and 74.6% of them being born in the 1980s and 1990s [6] - The rise of Minoxidil products is attributed to the younger generation's preference for scientifically validated treatments, with Mandey and Dafeixin being the two leading brands in the market [8][12] Group 3 - Mandey has successfully penetrated both offline and online markets, establishing partnerships with over 2,000 public medical institutions and 90,000 retail pharmacies, while also achieving over 60% of its sales through e-commerce channels [10][11] - The introduction of new Minoxidil products, such as Mandey's foam formulation, has enhanced its market competitiveness, with the foam being the only approved formulation in China that minimizes skin irritation [9] - The overall hair health market in China has grown significantly, from 58.29 billion yuan in 2020 to 79.55 billion yuan in 2023, with projections to exceed 116.54 billion yuan by 2028 [20] Group 4 - The entry of new players and technological advancements in the Minoxidil market have led to increased competition, with companies like Lunan Pharmaceutical launching new products that challenge traditional brands like Dafeixin [24][25] - Dafeixin, despite its long-standing presence in the market, is facing challenges due to the emergence of new competitors and a decline in its market share, with a reported revenue of 2.971 billion yuan in 2024, down 18.06% year-on-year [26] - The article concludes that the Minoxidil market's explosive growth is driven by a younger, more educated consumer base that prioritizes effective and scientifically validated treatment options [27][28]