Superoxide dismutases are enzymes which destroy superoxide free radical ( O2- ), an important biological mediator. In many systems ( e.g., blood vessel dialatation, blood clotting, etc.), superoxide opposes the action of another ubiquitous messenger substance, nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide is probably one "natural" form of the hair-growth stimulating drug minoxidil and a natural modulator of hair growth. Apparently, nitric oxide tells hair to start and keep growing, superoxide tells hair to stop growing and fall out.

Also, superoxide reacts with nitric oxide to form toxic products. These may be important in mediating parts of the immune response, as well as for tissue damage in a large number of diseases.
For example, Superoxide dismutase in its pharmaceutical form " Orgotein " is a potent antiinflammatory agent uner the trade name "Palosein" In the US, you can only get it if you are a dog or a horse, but it is an approved drug in most of the rest of the world.

Because of their effectiveness in the general treatment of inflammatory and degenerative diseases, researchers are constantly looking at SODases and related agents in experimental animal models of disease. In the course of such studies, researchers repeatedly rediscover that SODases stimulate hair growth and decrease hair loss.

This discovery is typically followed by a patent application. This is why there are several US and foreign patents on SODases for the treatment of hair loss. BTW, I accidentally discovered this effect of SOD in the late 1970's while doing research on diabetic rats at Bayor College of Medicine. Since I was first, I have the "prime patent". BTW, this patent took over a decade to issue.

With some exceptions, the patents listed below cover low molecular weight peptides which complex with copper or other metals to form superoxide dismutases. Again,
Unfortunately, most medical reporters, doctors, etc. don't know to look at patents, which are the first place any drug developer looks. So, a lot of stuff goes unreported and unrecognized. You heard it here how P was able to step in ). This is the first US patent so far. Priority is what counts and we've sure got that.

TEMPO and related compounds are SODases, among other things. Researchers at The National Cancer Institute report that TEMPO and TEMPOL, also covered in this patent, prevent hair loss in radiation treatment. No, neither compond is in any of our formulas yet. However, a related compound, NANO, is in all our formulations.

6) Topical SOD for Treating Hair Loss,

Proctor, P. US Pat# 5,40,876

Abstract: SOD for treating hair loss is disclosed. The SOD has utility in a topical pharmaceutical formulation for the cosmetic treatment of hair loss and the cosmetic stimulation of hair growth. The SOD comprises copper salicylate, copper aspirinate, indomethacin copper, or a metal complex of an aminoacid and a transition metal.

This is the prime patent in this area. Even incorporates Trichomin, etc.

7) The most recent patent from the holder of the "Trichomin" patent.

Tissue Protective and Regenerative Compositions US Pat # 5,382,431 Issue Date: 1-17-95 Pickart; Loren R. Bellevue WA