Genetic Test for Finasteride Response

HairDX, LLC, a subsidiary of PharmaGenoma, Inc., is introducing a genetic test to predict clinical response to finasteride, a commonly prescribed hair loss medication (also known as Propecia, amongst other names). Finasteride works by blocking the production of the androgen responsible for hair loss in androgenic alopecia. Use of the medication carries a risk of sexual side effects and since hair grows in cycles, it often takes months to determine if it is working. The genetic test, introduced at the annual meeting of The American Academy of Dermatology, provides patients with a score that predicts their response to finasteride. The test works by identifying certain nucleoside variants on the androgen receptor gene that determine androgen sensitivity. You can think about putting your toupee away for $199.
From the press release:

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…
[The test] 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.”

Press release: HairDX Introduces Genetic Test For Finasteride Response (.pdf)…
Product page: HairDX…
NOTE: Please say big hello to our new editor. Sean Duffy is a graduate of Columbia in neuroscience, who is starting Harvard Medical School this August. For now he will be blogging with us. This is his first post.