Microsoft word - the hairdx _rxr_ genetic test for finasteridet-finalapproved.doc
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jon Boroshok, Public Relations 978-502-1055 jonb@hairdx.com HairDX Introduces Genetic Test For Finasteride Response Breakthrough Test Helps Doctors Determine Best Treatment To Save Patients’ Hair
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, MARCH 9, 2009 – 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
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
About HairDX, LLC
HairDX, LLC (www.hairdx.com) is a subsidiary of PharmaGenoma, Inc. Based in Irvine, CA,
USA. HairDX is a molecular dermatology research and development company. HairDX markets
the first genetic test for male and female hair loss. The company is dedicated to the research
and development of new prescription based therapies tailored to an individual's genetic make
up. HairDX uses only CLIA certified laboratories (Clinical Laboratory Improvement
Amendments) to perform the genetic analysis. The HairDX test collection kit is listed with
Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and the United States Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) as a Class I medical device.
Among HairDX leaders is William V. Murray former Division President of the Molecular Biology
Division of Applied BioSystems, Inc., who formerly served in various executive leadership
positions within Medtronic, Inc., Andy Goren former CEO of MobileWise, Inc. and GeePS, Inc.,
Professor Doron Lancet, PhD, Head of the Crown Human Genome Center at the Department of
Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Dr. Elon Pras, Director of the Institute of
Human Genetics, Sheba Medical Center in Tel-Hashomer, Israel, Sharon Keene, MD and
President and Medical Director of Physician's Hair Institute, in Tucson, Arizona and nationally
recognized for her pioneering work in the hair transplant field, and Elliott J. Stein, an intellectual
property attorney and co-founder of GeePS, Inc.
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