Hyundai Pharm said Monday that it has launched the first over-the-counter drug for hair loss, Dexnoxyl (ingredient: dexpanthenol), in Korea.

Dexpanthenol is involved in collagen synthesis, one of the major components of hair, reduces sebum secretion, and helps create an environment where hair can grow well.

The drug also strengthens weak hair follicles, helps retain moisture, and prevents hair loss caused by dry scalp, the company said.

Dexpanthenol is a derivative of pantothenic acid known as vitamin B5. Pantothenic acid is an essential substance for making collagen that makes up the skin and hair and makes steroid hormones secreted by the adrenal glands.

According to Hyundai Pharma, Dexnoxyl is the first drug having dexpanthenol in high volume, containing 100 milligrams in a single tablet. The package has 120 tablets, and consumers only need to take three pills once at a time for six weeks.

While drugs made of minoxidil and finasteride or dutasteride, such as minopecia and damodart, dominate the domestic market in both prescribed and non-prescribed hair loss treatment, the company introduced a new product to strengthen its position in the market, it said.

“Dexpanthenol has shown consistent effectiveness in treating male and female pattern baldness,” a company official said. “We expect to expand our market share and strengthen its lineup of hair loss treatments.

Hyundai Pharm plans to release a larger-sized product containing 360 tablets for long-term patients following the latest launch of 120 tablets of Dexnoxyl.