Minoxidil is still the only FDA approved regrowth agent to treat androgenetic alopecia and the substance of choice for many customers. The response rate for Minoxidil treatment is around 55 % for patients with signs of micro-inflammation and up to 77 % for micro-inflammation free patients. Unfortunately Minoxidil is only soluble up to 2 % in alcohol and up to 5 % in alcohol and PPG ( propylene glycol ).

But there are two major downsides of alcohol and PPG in topical anti-hairloss products .First many people have allergic reactions to PPG and/or their scalp suffers in various forms from long term use of topical alcohol. ( redness , itching, flakes,dandruff,light sensitivity ,general inflammation) . Just recently in July 2005 the University of Bonn,Germany, published a study about contact dermatitis caused by either PPG or Minoxidil itself.

The second downside is the hairloss promoting effect of alcohol itself.

There are some new studies showing concerns about  alcohol as caspase-3 and apoptosis inducer being contraproductive for the use of topical hairloss products. Activation of caspase 3 is thought to be a direct cause of cell apoptosis

Experiments revealed that processing of caspase-3 is a principal event during apoptosis of hair cell types. Conclusion: alcohol simular as TGF-b induces caspase-3 which causes apoptosis of hair cells. Another study result: Chronic ethanol treatment activates signalling pathways and transcription factors involved in inflammatory damage and cell death.
Alcohol strongly reduces the positive effect of anti-hairloss ingredients and should be reduced to a minimum or elimitated at all.

In addition chronical inflammation caused by alcohol or PPG should be avoided by any means because inflammation is believed to be a major factor in causing hairloss. A study on 412 patients (193 men and 219 women) confirmed the presence of a significant degree of inflammation and fibrosis in at least 37% of AGA cases.

Until today it was impossible to develop complete alcohol and PPG free Minoxidil because alcohol is not only used to dissolve minoxidil but also as a vehicle to penetrate the skin.Water-soluble minoxidil is available but cannot penetrate the skin.

Since Spring 2005 Lipoxidil has teamed up with Salvona Technologies Inc. and developed the world`s first completely alcohol and PPG free NanoSal®-Minoxidil based on solid hydrophobic nanospheres ( NanoSal™) and a controlled release delivery system with bioadhesive properties.

Nanospheres - not to be confused wit Nanosomes (Liposomes) -  are solid hydrophobic particles with a size of 0.01 to 1 micron. The nanospheres have high cationic charge density to improve their deposition onto the target site.

They have several advantages over current delivery systems:

• Enhanced stability of ingredients
• Prolonged product shelf life
• Specific or non-specific targeted delivery of ingredients to a particular cell type or receptor
• Product benefits last longer due to extended release of ingredients
• Bioadhesive
• Heat triggered release
• Competitive edge, point of differentiation
• Enhanced bioavailability of ingredients which have poor bioavailability by themselves

No more grease , no more itching, no residue,no inflammation caused by overuse of topical alcohol.The possibilities for bioadhesive Minoxidil nanospheres are endless - even Minoxidil shampoo and conditioners are possible. Finally a Minoxidil for everyone - easy to use for men and women. Available in a 3.3 % cooling version with SalCool™ unscented or with a slight and very pleasant hint of citrus..

NS-Minoxidil is a two component system - just shake the bottle before use and both components will mix up. Apply 1-2 ml as you would do with alcohol based minoxidil. NS-Minoxidil will penetrate within seconds and leaves no residue. A cooling sensation indicates the penetration.NS-Minoxidil can be used at every desired time - even before work - and doesn´t mess up your hair or leaves a greasy feeling. NanoSal leaves a calming cool feeling on the scalp .