Sounds a lot like Azelaic Acid. Both are claimed to be helpful but who knows?
In my opinion it is a lot of bark and no bite until a substantial amount of testing has been done. I use Dr Lees standard Minoxidil, but I would love to see some 3rd party testing done on his Xandrox products that contains Azelaic Acid before I will pay that premium.
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Azelaic acid 5%
Proven to inhibit up to 100% of DHT where applied
Description: Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid with the chemical name of 1,7-heptanedicarboxylic acid and a molecular weight of 188.22. Azelaic acid is a dietary component of whole grain cereals and animal products.
Clinical Pharmacology: The exact mechanism of action of azelaic acid is not known. The antimicrobial action may be attributable to inhibition of microbial cellular protein synthesis. Azelaic acid at high concentrations is bactericidal against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermis and possesses bacteriostatic properties against a variety of aerobic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. In vitro, azelaic acid acted as a scavenger of oxy radicals and inhibits a variety of oxidoreductive enzymes including 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. Azelaic acid (0.1 to 3.0 mmol/l) has been shown to produce a competitive concentration dependent inhibition of 5-alpha reductase activity in homogenates of human foreskin. Azelaic acid is being studied for potential antimycotic and antiviral properties. The multiple actions of azelaic acid cause a normalization of keratinization and a decrease in the free fatty acid content of skin surface lipids.
Pharmacodynamics: Following a single application to human skin, 3 to 5% of the azelaic acid penetrates into the strateum corneum (up to 10% is present in the dermis and epidermis). There is negligible cutaneous metabolism after topical application. Approximately 4% of topically applied azelaic acid is systemically absorbed and mainly excreted unchanged in the urine. The half-life is approximately 12 hours after topical dosing, indicating percutaneous absorption rate-limited kinetics. After topical treatment with azelaic acid, plasma concentration and urinary excretion are not significantly different from baseline levels.
Contraindications: Azelaic acid solutions or lotions are contraindicated in individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of their components.
Warnings: There have been isolated reports of hypopigmentation after use of azelaic acid, although there is no depigmenting effect on normal melanocytes.
Precautions: If sensitivity or severe irritation develops with the use of Azelaic Acid treatment should be discontinued. The most common adverse reactions occurring in approximately 1-5% of patients were pruritis, burning, stinging and tingling, usually at the start of treatment and may last 5 to 20 minutes, especially if the skin is inflamed or broken. The adverse effects commonly subside if treatment is continued. Other adverse reactions such as erythema, dryness, rash, peeling, irritation and dermatitis were reported in less than 1% of patients. The following additional adverse experiences have been rarely reported: worsening of asthma, vitilago pigmentation, hypertrichosis and reddening (signs of keratosis pilaris). Note: azelaic acid will consistently lighten hyperpigmented skin (skin that is daker than normal for a given individual) but will not typically lighten skin beyond its normal color. Rarely, patients with dark complexions may notice hypopigmentation of skin. There are no systemic adverse effects.
Considerations: Azelaic acid is normally found in the human diet and is not considered to be a carcinogenic substance. Mutagenicity studies are negative and animal studies have shown no adverse effects on fertility or reproduction. Human problems have not been reported during pregnancy.
http://www.minoxidil.com/azelaic.htm
