Testing Potential Therapies
Following the discovery that boosting autophagy reduces cyst formation, the NTU researchers tested 22 drugs known for their effects on cell metabolism. Among these, minoxidil – a clinical drug commonly used to treat hypertension and hair loss – was found to be effective in reducing cyst formation in the mouse model. The proven clinical safety of minoxidil makes it a promising potential candidate for repurposing as a treatment for PKD, although further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in treatment.