TUESDAY, May 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A drug intended as a treatment for osteoporosis may help treat hair loss, researchers say.

“The fact this new agent, which had never even been considered in a hair loss context, promotes human hair growth is exciting because of its translational potential: It could one day make a real difference to people who suffer from hair loss,” said study leader Nathan Hawkshaw, of the University of Manchester in England.

“Clearly though, a clinical trial is required next to tell us whether this drug or similar compounds are both effective and safe in hair loss patients,” Hawkshaw said in a university news release.

Only two drugs — minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) — exist to treat so-called male-pattern balding. Both have side effects and often produce disappointing hair regrowth results, the researchers noted.

Exploring other possible options, Hawkshaw and his colleagues discovered that the drug WAY-316606 reduces expression of a protein called SFRP1. This protein inhibits the development and growth of many tissues, including hair follicles.

When the researchers treated hair follicles with the drug, it enhanced their growth.

WAY-316606 was originally developed to treat bone loss related to osteoporosis.

The researchers said clinical trials are needed to test the safety and effectiveness of this drug and similar compounds.