MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Educational research guidelines only. Lyophilized peptides are investigational chemical compounds and are NOT approved for human consumption, diagnosis, or therapy. Consult a licensed physician before any research application.
PTD-DBM Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
PTD-DBM (Protein Transduction Domain-Dishevelled Binding Motif) is a synthetic cell-penetrating peptide that reactivates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in hair follicles. An octa-arginine transduction domain carries a CXXC5-derived Dishevelled-binding motif into cells, where it out-competes CXXC5 for Dishevelled and releases CXXC5's brake on the pathway, driving hair-follicle stem-cell activation and follicle neogenesis (PMID 28595998; PMID 26056233). In mouse models, topical PTD-DBM stimulated hair regrowth and wound-induced hair neogenesis, with effects amplified by valproic acid. The commonly cited dosage is a 0.5-1 mg/mL solution applied once daily to the scalp, often with microneedling; the subcutaneous reconstitution figures here are an educational measurement reference only. Evidence is preclinical, with no completed human trials and no established human pharmacokinetics. PTD-DBM is not FDA- or EMA-approved and is sold for research and cosmetic use only.
Reconstitute: Add 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water → 2 mg/mL concentration.
Typical dose: 0.5-1 mg/mL topical to scalp (~250-1000 mcg per application)
Easy measuring: At 2 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.0200 mg (20 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized powder stored frozen at -20 °C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2-8 °C, protected from light, and used within about 2-4 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of the dissolved peptide.
Half-life: Not characterized in humans; poly-arginine cell-penetrating peptides are rapidly proteolyzed (plasma half-life ~minutes), with topical action governed by local follicular penetration rather than a systemic half-life.
Route: Topical (0.5-1 mg/mL aqueous solution massaged into the scalp, often after microneedling and combined with valproic acid); modeled here as a subcutaneous reconstitution reference for measurement only.
Status: Not FDA- or EMA-approved for any indication; research/cosmetic use only. Preclinical (mouse) efficacy with no completed human trials. Educational content, not medical advice.
About PTD-DBM
PTD-DBM (Protein Transduction Domain-Dishevelled Binding Motif) is a synthetic cell-penetrating peptide used cosmetically and in research to reactivate Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in hair follicles. It works by competing with CXXC5 — a negative-feedback brake on Wnt — for binding to Dishevelled (Dvl), thereby releasing the brake and promoting hair-follicle stem-cell activation [1][2]. Clinically and in every published study, PTD-DBM is applied TOPICALLY to the scalp as a 0.5-1 mg/mL aqueous solution, usually once daily and frequently paired with valproic acid and microneedling; the subcutaneous reconstitution figures below are an educational measurement reference only, not the real-world route.\n\nThe most commonly cited PTD-DBM dosage is a 0.5-1 mg/mL topical solution, which is what this page models. Reconstituting a 5 mg vial with 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water yields a 2 mg/mL solution, so a 250 mcg measure is 12.5 units, 500 mcg is 25 units, and 1000 mcg is 50 units on a U-100 insulin syringe — clean, measurable marks for dispensing onto the scalp. Many users dilute further toward 1 mg/mL to match the concentrations used in the animal studies.\n\nBecause the evidence is preclinical (mouse models) and there are no completed human efficacy trials or established human pharmacokinetics, PTD-DBM should be treated as experimental. It is not approved by the FDA or EMA and is sold for research and cosmetic use only.\n\nFrequency: Apply once daily to the scalp (modeled here as a once-daily subcutaneous reference); microneedling, when used, is typically limited to 1-2 sessions per week.
Quick Protocol Navigation
Reconstitution Instruction & Mixing Step-by-Step
Lyophilized powder must be reconstituted carefully. Agitating peptide chains can shear disulfide bonds and render the peptide biologically inert.
Draw 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe (this yields a 2 mg/mL solution from a 5 mg vial).
Inject the water slowly down the inner wall of the 5 mg PTD-DBM vial; do not spray directly onto the lyophilized powder, and avoid foaming or vigorous shaking, which can degrade the peptide.
Gently swirl or roll the vial until the solution is completely clear; the result is a 2 mg/mL concentration (20 mcg per insulin-syringe unit).
Store refrigerated at 2-8 °C, protected from light, and use within about 2-4 weeks; draw the prescribed number of units per application (250 mcg ≈ 12.5 units, 500 mcg ≈ 25 units, 1000 mcg ≈ 50 units).
Educational note: PTD-DBM is used TOPICALLY on the scalp in practice — these subcutaneous figures are a measurement reference only. For topical use, the measured solution is dispensed onto a cleansed scalp (often after microneedling/dermarolling) and massaged in rather than injected.
Interactive PTD-DBM Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 5mg dry powder in 2.5mL water yields 2.00 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 12.5 units (13 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Phase | Dose per injection | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Patch test / initiation (first ~1 week) | 250 mcg | 13 units (0.13 mL) |
| Standard daily scalp application | 500 mcg | 25 units (0.25 mL) |
| Higher-end / combination phase (with valproic acid + microneedling) | 1000 mcg (1 mg) | 50 units (0.50 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 2.5 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 5 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (PTD-DBM, 5 mg each):
- check8 weeks at 500 mcg/day ≈ 6 vials (28 mg total)
- check12 weeks at 500 mcg/day ≈ 9 vials (42 mg total)
- check16 weeks at 500 mcg/day ≈ 12 vials (56 mg total); higher 1000 mcg/day combination phases roughly double these counts
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- checkOnce-daily application: 7 syringes per week (used to measure and dispense the solution onto the scalp)
- check8 weeks ≈ 56 syringes; 12 weeks ≈ 84 syringes
- check16 weeks ≈ 112 syringes
Bacteriostatic Water (30 mL bottles): Use 2.5 mL per 5 mg vial for reconstitution.
- check8 weeks (6 vials) ≈ 15 mL ≈ 1 bottle
- check12 weeks (9 vials) ≈ 22.5 mL ≈ 1 bottle
- check16 weeks (12 vials) ≈ 30 mL ≈ 1 bottle
Alcohol Swabs:
- check1-2 swabs per application (vial top + scalp/site prep)
- check8 weeks ≈ 56-112 swabs; 12 weeks ≈ 84-168 swabs
- check16 weeks ≈ 112-224 swabs; keep extras for re-swabbing multi-use vials and microneedling prep
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
PTD-DBM is a short synthetic peptide (approximately 3,081 Da; CAS 1609454-11-6) built from two functional parts: an octa-arginine protein transduction domain (PTD, a poly-arginine cell-penetrating sequence) joined by a short glycine linker to a Dishevelled-binding motif (DBM) copied from the region of CXXC5 that contacts Dishevelled [6]. The PTD ferries the otherwise membrane-impermeable cargo across the stratum corneum and the plasma membrane, while the DBM is the pharmacophore that does the work inside the cell [1][6].\n\nThe biology centers on CXXC5, a CXXC-type zinc-finger protein that acts as a negative-feedback brake on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. When Wnt activity rises, CXXC5 is induced and binds the PDZ domain of Dishevelled (Dvl), an upstream Wnt transducer, dampening the pathway. In balding (androgenetic) scalp and in miniaturized follicles, CXXC5 is over-expressed, so the brake is applied too hard and beta-catenin-driven hair-follicle stem-cell activation is suppressed [1][4][5]. PTD-DBM is engineered to occupy the same Dvl binding pocket that CXXC5 uses; by out-competing CXXC5 for Dishevelled, it prevents formation of the inhibitory CXXC5-Dvl complex, freeing Dvl to stabilize beta-catenin and re-activate Wnt target genes that drive anagen entry, follicle neogenesis, and dermal-papilla signaling [1][2].\n\nIn mouse models, topical PTD-DBM accelerated hair regrowth and, in wound-induced hair-neogenesis (WIHN) assays, produced de novo follicle formation; effects were amplified when PTD-DBM was co-applied with valproic acid (VPA), a GSK-3beta inhibitor that independently activates Wnt/beta-catenin [1][2]. The same CXXC5-Dvl axis was later shown to mediate DHT-driven androgenetic alopecia through a prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) signal, providing a mechanistic rationale for targeting CXXC5 in pattern hair loss [4]. Small-molecule successors from the same laboratory, such as the dual CXXC5-Dvl/GSK-3beta inhibitor KY19382, were developed to hit both nodes at once and showed greater potency in preclinical hair-regrowth assays [3].\n\nPharmacokinetics are not formally characterized in humans. Poly-arginine cell-penetrating peptides are taken up largely by direct translocation and macropinocytosis and are rapidly degraded by intracellular and serum proteases, giving plasma half-lives on the order of minutes for the systemic peptide; the clinically relevant parameter for a topical agent is local residence time and follicular penetration, not a systemic half-life [6]. No validated human half-life, bioavailability, or systemic-exposure figure has been published, and the compound has not undergone formal clinical pharmacology study.\n\nThe real-world route is topical (a 0.5-1 mg/mL aqueous solution massaged into the scalp, often after microneedling and frequently combined with VPA); the subcutaneous reconstitution scheme on this page is the site's standard educational measurement convention, not a clinically validated delivery method. PTD-DBM is not approved by any regulator and is supplied only for research and cosmetic use [5].
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starLee and colleagues (2017, Journal of Investigative Dermatology) showed that CXXC5 is elevated in miniaturized follicles of balding human scalp and that CXXC5-knockout mice display accelerated hair regrowth; disrupting the CXXC5-Dishevelled interaction with the competitor peptide PTD-DBM activated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and stimulated both hair regrowth and wound-induced hair neogenesis in mice, with the effect amplified by co-treatment with valproic acid [1].
- starIn the foundational mechanism study (Lee et al., 2015, Journal of Experimental Medicine), CXXC5 was identified as a Dishevelled-binding negative-feedback regulator of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in skin; CXXC5-deficient mice healed cutaneous wounds faster, and topical co-treatment of wounds with PTD-DBM plus valproic acid synergistically accelerated wound closure and re-epithelialization, establishing the CXXC5-Dvl axis as a druggable target [2].
- starRyu and colleagues (2023, Cells) demonstrated that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induces CXXC5 via a prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) signal in androgenetic alopecia, linking the dominant hormonal driver of pattern baldness to the same CXXC5-Dvl brake that PTD-DBM targets, and showed that interrupting this axis restored Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and hair growth in DHT-challenged models [4].
- starThe dual CXXC5-Dvl/GSK-3beta inhibitor KY19382, a small-molecule successor from the same group (Ryu et al., 2021, British Journal of Pharmacology), inhibited the CXXC5-Dvl interaction (IC50 ~19 nM) and GSK-3beta (~10 nM) and was sufficient on its own to induce hair regrowth and wound-induced follicle neogenesis, illustrating that hitting both Wnt nodes simultaneously is more potent than single-target peptide competition alone [3].
- starA 2025 review of Wnt/beta-catenin-directed hair therapies (Mehta et al., Cells) catalogs PTD-DBM among emerging follicle-neogenesis approaches, noting that topical PTD-DBM enhances hair regrowth in mouse models of androgenetic alopecia and positioning CXXC5 inhibition as a mechanistically distinct strategy from finasteride and minoxidil, while emphasizing that human efficacy data remain preliminary [5].
- starEvidence to date is preclinical: the published efficacy comes from mouse hair-regrowth and wound-neogenesis models plus human tissue-expression studies, not from completed, peer-reviewed randomized human trials, so reported cosmetic benefits in people remain anecdotal and unproven [1][5].
Side Effects & Tolerability Profile
Clinical subjects transiently report mild side effects. Slowly escalating the titration dose represents the single most effective intervention to limit side effects.
- warningLocal application-site effects are the most likely issues with the topical route: scalp redness, itching, dryness, stinging, or contact dermatitis, particularly when the solution is applied to broken or microneedled skin.
- warningWhen combined with microneedling/dermarolling (a common protocol), expect pinpoint bleeding, transient inflammation, and a real risk of infection if devices, hands, or the peptide solution are not kept sterile.
- warningValproic acid, the agent most often stacked with PTD-DBM, is a known hepatotoxin and a potent human teratogen; even topical or off-label use is unstudied for safety and should be avoided in pregnancy and in anyone of child-bearing potential without medical supervision.
- warningMechanistically, PTD-DBM amplifies Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, a proliferative pathway implicated in several cancers; sustained or broad pathway activation carries a theoretical neoplasia/abnormal-growth concern, and no long-term human safety data exist to address it.
- warningSystemic absorption, distribution, and pharmacokinetics in humans are uncharacterized, so there is no established safety margin, no defined maximum dose, and no human adverse-event database.
- warningProduct quality is a practical hazard: research-grade peptide is not manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, so purity, sterility, endotoxin content, and label accuracy can vary between suppliers.
- warningThere are no data in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, or people with active scalp disease; such individuals should not use it.
- warningRegulatory/research status: PTD-DBM is NOT approved by the FDA, EMA, or any major regulator for any indication, cannot legally be sold or marketed as a drug or cosmetic-drug, and is supplied for research use only; this page is educational and is not medical advice.
Subcutaneous Injection Technique
Most research peptides require subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue. Never inject directly into a blood vessel or deep muscle tissue unless clinically detailed.
1. Site Selection
Common locations include the abdomen (2 inches from navel), outer upper arms, or thighs.
2. Sanitization
Thoroughly clean the selected site, stopper and vial top using 70% isopropyl alcohol prep swabs.
3. Angle & Push
Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Depress plunger smoothly.
4. Site Rotation
Rotate injection sites continuously to avoid lipodystrophy or tissue scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical PTD-DBM dosage?expand_more
The most commonly cited PTD-DBM dosage is a topical 0.5-1 mg/mL aqueous solution applied once daily to the scalp, usually combined with valproic acid and 1-2 weekly microneedling sessions. In practice a 5 mg vial is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and a small measured amount is dispensed onto the scalp; in this site's educational model (5 mg in 2.5 mL = 2 mg/mL) that maps to roughly 250-1000 mcg per application (12.5-50 units on a U-100 syringe). These figures come from preclinical mouse studies and cosmetic practice, not validated human dosing, because no completed human trials have established an optimal dose.
Is PTD-DBM FDA approved?expand_more
No. PTD-DBM is not approved by the FDA or EMA for any indication. It has never completed peer-reviewed human efficacy trials; the published evidence is from mouse hair-regrowth and wound-neogenesis models and human tissue-expression studies. It cannot legally be marketed as a drug or cosmetic-drug and is sold for research use only. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
What is the half-life of PTD-DBM?expand_more
There is no published human half-life for PTD-DBM. As a poly-arginine cell-penetrating peptide it is rapidly degraded by serum and intracellular proteases, so the systemic peptide would have a plasma half-life on the order of minutes. Because it is used topically, the relevant parameter is local follicular penetration and residence time rather than a systemic half-life, and neither has been formally characterized.
How do you reconstitute and apply PTD-DBM?expand_more
Clinically PTD-DBM is applied topically, so no injection is involved. For the educational model here, reconstitute a 5 mg vial with 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water by running the water slowly down the vial wall and swirling (not shaking) until clear, giving a 2 mg/mL solution. Store it refrigerated at 2-8 °C, protected from light, and use within about 2-4 weeks. In real-world use a measured amount of the solution is dispensed onto a cleansed scalp, often after microneedling, and massaged in; many users dilute toward 1 mg/mL to match the animal-study concentrations.
Can PTD-DBM be stacked with valproic acid or microneedling?expand_more
In the original mouse studies, co-applying PTD-DBM with valproic acid (VPA), a GSK-3beta inhibitor that also activates Wnt/beta-catenin, amplified hair regrowth, and topical use is frequently paired with microneedling to improve penetration. However, this is an experimental combination, not a validated protocol. Valproic acid is hepatotoxic and a potent teratogen, microneedling adds infection and irritation risk, and there are no controlled human safety data for the stack. Treat any combination as research-only and avoid it in pregnancy or with scalp disease.
Related Guides & Tools
Step-by-step references for reconstituting, measuring, and storing PTD-DBM, plus the universal dosing calculator.
Academic References & Study Citations
Lee SH, Seo SH, Lee DH, Pi LQ, Lee WS, Choi KY. Targeting of CXXC5 by a Competing Peptide Stimulates Hair Regrowth and Wound-Induced Hair Neogenesis. J Invest Dermatol. 2017;137(11):2260-2269. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2017.04.038. View Scientific Paper →
Lee SH, Kim MY, Kim HY, et al. The Dishevelled-binding protein CXXC5 negatively regulates cutaneous wound healing. J Exp Med. 2015;212(7):1061-1080. doi:10.1084/jem.20141601. PMID:26056233. View Scientific Paper →
Ryu YC, Lee DH, Shim J, et al. KY19382, a novel activator of Wnt/beta-catenin signalling, promotes hair regrowth and hair follicle neogenesis. Br J Pharmacol. 2021;178(12):2533-2546. doi:10.1111/bph.15438. View Scientific Paper →
Ryu YC, Park J, Kim YR, et al. CXXC5 Mediates DHT-Induced Androgenetic Alopecia via PGD2. Cells. 2023;12(4):555. doi:10.3390/cells12040555. PMID:36831222. View Scientific Paper →
Mehta A, Motavaf M, Raza D, et al. Revolutionary Approaches to Hair Regrowth: Follicle Neogenesis, Wnt/beta-Catenin Signaling, and Emerging Therapies. Cells. 2025;14(11):779. doi:10.3390/cells14110779. PMID:40497955. View Scientific Paper →
PTD-DBM (Protein Transduction Domain-Dishevelled Binding Motif): peptide composition (octa-arginine PTD + CXXC5-derived Dishevelled-binding motif), developer (Kang-Yell Choi, Yonsei University), and mechanism overview. Wikipedia. View Scientific Paper →