Pelage Pharma Seeks FDA Approval for Hair Regrowth Treatment

The LA-based biotech startup has raised $120 million to fund late-stage trials of its topical gel that "awakens" dormant hair follicles.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:08am

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray photograph showing the internal structure of a human hair follicle, appearing dormant and inactive against a dark background. The ghostly, glowing image conveys the scientific approach Pelage Pharmaceuticals is taking to address hair loss.Pelage Pharmaceuticals' innovative treatment aims to "awaken" dormant hair follicles and stimulate natural hair regrowth.Los Angeles Today

Pelage Pharmaceuticals, a Los Angeles-based biotech startup, is preparing for late-stage clinical trials on a new treatment to regrow hair. The company's topical gel, called PP405, targets a protein in hair follicle stem cells that causes them to go dormant, effectively "awakening" the follicles and stimulating normal hair growth. Pelage recently raised $120 million in venture funding to support the trials and prepare for FDA approval conversations.

Why it matters

Hair loss is a common condition affecting over half of men and a quarter of women, but current treatment options are limited and often ineffective. Pelage's approach represents a potentially innovative solution that could fulfill an urgent need in the multi-billion dollar hair growth market. If successful, the treatment could provide a new option for people looking to regain their natural hair.

The details

Pelage's PP405 molecule, named as a tribute to the 405 freeway, is applied as a topical gel that inhibits the protein causing hair follicle stem cells to go dormant. This "awakens" the follicles and stimulates the growth of normal, terminal hair rather than just "peach fuzz." The company previously raised $34 million for its Phase 2 study, and the positive results helped it secure the new $120 million in funding from investors including ARCH Venture Partners and GV (Google Ventures).

  • Pelage recently completed a Phase 2 clinical study.
  • The company raised $120 million in October 2026 to fund late-stage trials.

The players

Pelage Pharmaceuticals

A biotech startup based in Los Angeles that is developing a topical treatment to regrow hair.

Daniel Gil

The chief executive of Pelage Pharmaceuticals, who has over 30 years of experience in biotech development.

Cathy Friedman

The executive venture partner at GV (Google Ventures) who was appointed chair of Pelage's board.

Richard Heyman

The venture partner at ARCH Venture Partners who joined Pelage's board of directors.

Heather Christofk, PhD

A UCLA professor and co-founder of Pelage Pharmaceuticals.

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What they’re saying

“Pelage is a pioneer in the regenerative medicine space, with a scientifically rigorous approach to address hair loss that sets them apart from currently available treatments. This could fulfill an urgent need, as we see a growing portion of the population experiencing hair loss, including women, who only have one FDA-approved option.”

— Cathy Friedman, Executive Venture Partner, GV

“The [hair regrowth] space has been starving for good science and innovation. We and investors are seeing that.”

— Daniel Gil, Chief Executive, Pelage Pharmaceuticals

What’s next

Pelage must now undergo larger clinical trials to complete the FDA approval process for its PP405 hair regrowth treatment. The company expects no shortage of candidates to test the product, as it has already been 'bombarded' with interested participants.

The takeaway

Pelage's innovative approach to hair regrowth represents a potential breakthrough in an underserved market that has seen little innovation in decades. If successful, the company's topical gel could provide a new, effective option for the millions of people, including women, who struggle with hair loss.