More evidence that Finasteride affects everyone differently based on their genetic makeup and Androgen Receptor CAG repeats. The below company (HairDX) is likely basing their testing on this piece of research: propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1406
Note: this sounds like an alternate way to test our Androgen Receptor CAG repeats (mouth swab mailed to their lab). I don’t know how useful or “true” a mouth swab is compared to blood test, however.
According to HairDX, "The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test for Finasteride Response is available through qualified doctors. – hairdx.com/Doctors.aspx
More info:
hairdx.com/FinasterideTestMale.aspx?view=2
hairdx.com/FinasterideTestMale.aspx
hairdx.com/Science.aspx
hairdx.com/FAQs.aspx
reuters.com/article/pressRel … BW20090309
[Size=4]HairDX Introduces Genetic Test For Finasteride Response[/size]
Breakthrough Test Helps Doctors Determine Best Treatment To Save Patients’ Hair
SAN FRANCISCO — Molecular dermatology research and development innovator PharmaGenoma, Inc. and its subsidiary HairDX, LLC (www.hairdx.com), pioneers of genetic tests for predicting the risk of male and female hair loss, today introduced The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test for Finasteride - a breakthrough genetic test for predicting Finasteride response for the treatment of common hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia).
The announcement was made at the annual meeting of The American Academy of Dermatology. The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test for Finasteride is available now and carries a suggested retail price of $199.
Finasteride is the active ingredient in medications used by doctors to help prevent patient hair loss due to Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). The threat of a sexual side effect often deters patients from using Finasteride because they are uncertain that there will be enough of a benefit to warrant the risk. Others are discouraged by the slow progress of hair growth combined with the cost of Finasteride, and quit the therapy before they see results.
The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test for Finasteride Response will help doctors predetermine if patients will have a subtle, moderate, or great treatment response to Finasteride, allowing the physician to provide patients with the best treatment regimen to save their hair.
Currently one of the most widely prescribed medications, Finasteride, works by blocking the production of the androgen called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone responsible for hair loss in Androgenetic Alopecia. For many years Finasteride therapy, which blocks the enzyme 5- alpha reductase from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), has become a mainstay to treat AGA. This treatment is an effective means to stabilize hair loss, and in some cases to strengthen and re-grow lost hair.
The Androgen Receptor gene has been identified as a major determinant of Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), commonly called male pattern baldness. Certain variants of the nucleoside sequence on the Androgen Receptor gene, known as CAG repeats, appear to determine androgen sensitivity in men. The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test for Finasteride Response provides doctors with a patient score, called the CAG repeat score.
“A smaller CAG test score is associated with an increased response to Finasteride for treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia,” says Dr. Sharon Keene, HairDX Chief Medical Officer. “Scientists discovered that among men that had the best response to Finasteride approximately 70% had a CAG score below 22 while among men that had a subtle response to Finasteride approximately 70% had a CAG score above 22.”