HairDX introduces improved genetic baldness test, incorporates maternal and paternal influences

HairDX, developer of the first genetic test for predicting the risk of male and female pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) today announced it is now able to provide doctors with an improved prediction by looking at genetic variants inherited from the mother combined with the risk for baldness attributed by the father.

“A man whose father has even a minimal amount of hair loss who tests positive for the variant AR gene has over 80% chance of developing male pattern hair loss”

“It is well known in the medical community that pattern hair loss is inherited in a complex fashion with paternal as well as maternal influence. While the maternal inheritance of certain gene variants are necessary for the development of pattern hair loss, they are not sufficient. The HairDX test has improved predictive power by incorporating both maternal as well as paternal influences,” says Sharon Keene, M.D. Chief Medical Officer of HairDX.

“A man whose father has even a minimal amount of hair loss who tests positive for the variant AR gene has over 80% chance of developing male pattern hair loss,” says Andy Goren, President and CEO of HairDX.

The news is better for men whose fathers did not experience balding. A man whose father has no signs of hair loss who tests negative for the variant AR gene has over 90% chance of not developing male pattern hair loss.

“With the improved predictive value of the HairDX genetic test, a doctor is better informed than ever before, and can provide a personalised analysis of an individual’s likelihood of developing Androgenetic Alopecia, the most common type of hair loss,” said Goren.