HAIR LOSS TREATMENT

Clinical Trial Of A Genetically Tailored Therapy For Female Baldness To Start

2008-10-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

Pharmacogenomics research and development innovator PharmaGenoma, Inc. and its subsidiary HairDX, LLC, today announced that it has received institutional review board (IRB) approval to begin a clinical trial of a genetically tailored therapy for female baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia).

"Our goal is to revolutionize the field of dermatology by innovating genetically tailored treatments to common skin disorders," said Andy Goren, Chairman and Chief Strategist of PharmaGenoma, Inc and HairDX, LLC.

HairDX will soon begin recruiting post menopausal women as patients for the study. Women who qualify for the study will undergo genetic screening. If they exhibit a particular genetic variation in their Androgen Receptor gene, they will receive a drug that may potentially re-grow their hair. The trial is expected to start in the early Fall.

"To date, no systemic drug treatment is available for Female Androgenetic Alopecia. The HairDX drug trial may usher a new era in the treatment of Female Androgenetic Alopecia," said Antonella Tosti, MD, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Bologna in Italy.

"Dermatologists often prescribe women drugs for the treatment of hair loss; however, only a fraction of women respond to the therapy. If the HairDX clinical trial proves successful, dermatologists will be able to individually tailor treatment for hair loss based on a woman's genetic makeup," said Professor Doron Lancet, Head of the Crown Human Genome Center at the Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science.

Earlier this year, HairDX became the first company to market genetic tests that predict an individual's risk for the male or female versions of Androgenetic Alopecia. The test is available through physicians.

HairDX uses a CLIA certified laboratory (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) to perform the genetic analysis, offering physicians a powerful screening test for Androgenetic Alopecia before any visible signs of hair loss. The HairDX test results can assist a physician in choosing a course of action as to maintain a patient's hair.

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Definition and Symtoms

2008-09-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

Alopecia, commonly known as baldness, is a set of disorders which involves the state of lacking hair where it would normally grow, especially on the head. The most common form of baldness is a progressive hair-thinning condition that occurs in adult humans and other primate species. Nonetheless, the severity and nature of condition can vary greatly; it ranges from male and female pattern alopecia (alopecia androgenetica), to alopecia areata, which involves the loss of some of the hair from the head, alopecia totalis, which involves the loss of all head hair, to the most extreme form, alopecia universalis, which involves the loss of all hair from the head and the body. Treatment for alopecia has limited success. The more hair lost, the less successful the treatment will be.

What are the main symptoms?

Male pattern baldness (also known as genetic hair loss or alopecia androgenetica) is the most common form of hair loss in men. It usually develops very gradually, typically involving the appearance of a bald spot on the crown of the scalp accompanied by thinning at the temples. Although this problem can strike any man at any time, many first become aware of it as they approach their thirties.

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Causes of specific types of hair loss

2008-09-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

Pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). In male- and female-pattern baldness, the time of growth shortens, and the hairs are not as thick or sturdy. With each growth cycle, the hairs become rooted more superficially and more easily fall out. Heredity likely plays a key role. A history of androgenetic alopecia on either side of your family increases your risk of balding. Heredity also affects the age at which you begin to lose hair and the developmental speed, pattern and extent of your baldness.

Cicatricial (scarring) alopecia. This type of permanent hair loss occurs when inflammation damages and scars the hair follicle. This prevents new hair from growing. This condition can be seen in several skin conditions, including lupus erythematosus or lichen planus. It's not known what triggers or causes this inflammation.

Alopecia areata. This is classified as an autoimmune disease, but the cause is unknown. People who develop alopecia areata are generally in good health. A few people may have other autoimmune disorders including thyroid disease. Some scientists believe that some people are genetically predisposed to develop alopecia areata and that a trigger, such as a virus or something else in the environment, sets off the condition. A family history of alopecia areata makes you more likely to develop it. With alopecia areata, your hair generally grows back, but you may lose and regrow your hair a number of times.

Traction alopecia. Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair too tightly cause traction alopecia. If the pulling is stopped before there's scarring of your scalp and permanent damage to the root, hair usually grows back normally.

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Treatment Alternatives.

2008-09-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

If hair loss is caused by a temporary situation such as medication, stress or insufficient iron, however, however, the hair loss will stop when its cause ends. Hair loss due to infection may require oral antibiotics or antifungals. Alopecia areata can be treated with injections of steroids such as triamcinolone into the area. For all of the causes, early treatment works the best. For hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia, there is no cure, although many treatments are available. Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription hair loss treatment that is prescribed for men only. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is rubbed directly onto the scalp and works for both men and women. It usually works best for hair loss at top and back of the scalp, where there is still some remaining hair.

¿What is Propecia, Proscar?

Propecia, Proscar prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss. Propecia, Proscar is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Propecia, Proscar is also used to reduce hair loss due to male pattern baldness.

Women who are or who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken Propecia, Proscar tablets. The medication could be absorbed through the skin. Propecia, Proscar is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby. Exposure to whole tablets should be avoided whenever possible, however exposure to whole tablets is not expected to be harmful as long as the tablets are not swallowed.

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