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New Discoveries Show Genetic Links to Androgenetic Alopecia

News 4 min read

New Fagron study makes important discoveries about alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), commonly known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, affects millions worldwide, leading to considerable distress and prompting the quest for effective treatments.

A new study suggests that particular genetic markers may impact the development of androgenetic alopecia and potentially affect how individuals respond to treatment.

Understanding AGA: More Than Just Hair Loss

AGA is a complex condition influenced by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, and metabolic pathways. While treatments like minoxidil and finasteride exist, their efficacy varies among individuals, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.

The Role of Genetics in AGA: Unveiling the Hidden Links

Recent studies conducted by Fagron Genomics have delved deep into the genetic landscape of AGA, exploring the correlation between specific genetic markers and the development of the disease. By analyzing a diverse dataset of 26,607 patients, the researchers identified significant associations between certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and Androgenetic alopecia, validating data found in scientific literature.

Key Findings:

  • SNPs Associated with Vasodilation: SNPs linked to genes involved in vasodilation control, such as PTGES2 and ACE, were found to influence treatment response, particularly to minoxidil. These insights open new avenues for targeted therapies aimed at enhancing vasodilation mechanisms in AGA patients.
  • Genetic Variations in Testosterone Metabolism: Variations in genes like SRD5A2 were associated with altered testosterone metabolism, affecting the efficacy of drugs like finasteride and dutasteride. Understanding these genetic nuances could aid in predicting treatment outcomes and optimizing therapeutic strategies.
  • Prostaglandin Signaling Pathways: SNPs within prostaglandin receptors, including PTGFR and PTGDR2, revealed significant correlations with AGA. These findings underscore the potential role of prostaglandin signaling in hair growth regulation and offer promising targets for novel treatment modalities.

Implications for Personalized Treatment

The discovery of genetic markers associated with AGA serves as a starting point for delving into the complexities of this condition. Fagron remains committed to furthering research in this field to validate these genetic associations and explore additional targets.

The convergence of genetics and dermatology opens new frontiers in the treatment of AGA, making it possible to search for faster, safer, and more effective treatments.

You can read the complete study at the Fagron Study Platform.

Read study

Discovery and Treatment:

TrichoTest™ and TrichoConcept™

TrichoTest™ provides personalized treatment recommendations for patients with scalp or hair problems (Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, and Telogen Effluvium).

It combines genetic data with relevant patient anamnesis and possible contraindications, selecting the most appropriate vehicles, active pharmaceutical ingredients and delivery formats such as topical, oral, and mesotherapy.

Combines the analysis of 26 polymorphisms associated with metabolic pathways predicting treatment responses with relevant patient’s anamnesis intolerances, hypersensitivity, diseases, medication, and blood pressure, among others.

The analysis of genetic factors and the patient’s anamnesis (medication, pathologies, emotional state, physical activity, habits and family history) provides the necessary information for fully personalized treatment.

Learn more at the Fagron Genomics website.

TrichoConcept™ is a line of vehicles compatible with the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Dermaceutical Ingredients (DCIs) used to treat alopecia. Fagron’s TrichoConcept™ is the first global line of multifunctional compounding vehicles with TrichoTech™ technology, a Fagron patented phytocomplex specially developed for the use in personalized alopecia treatment.

TrichoTech™ is a patented and unique phytocomplex developed with carefully chosen essential oils that act synergistically on the scalp, providing multiple benefits to the hair system.

The synergy of essential oils results from the combination of their therapeutic properties that, once combined, not only aggregate but also potentiate each other, creating a new range of interactions. To achieve the maximum synergistic effect, the essential oils in TrichoTech™ were selected based on their chemical components and combined in the most adequate concentration to strengthen their therapeutic effects. TrichoTech™ is present in all TrichoConcept™ vehicles.

Learn more here.