Hair Loss Drug Development to Inhibit Genes?

Hi Dr. Rassman et al.

I was very pleased to learn about the Alopecia genes discovery. In several of the press releases and analysis there was mention of drugs currently being tested that inhibit those same genes. I am wondering if you know how we can find out who is doing that testing and what stages they are at?

Here is the specific quote I am referring to: Christiano says, “There seems to be a shared mechanism among organs that express NKG2D danger signals as part of the initiating process. And since drugs are already in development that target these pathways — because they are being tested to treat rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and other diseases where the NKG2D receptor is involved — we may soon be able to test these drugs in clinical trials for alopecia areata.” (source)

+ + +

moreover: “drugs already in development could be used for hair loss.” (source)

Perhaps if you don’t know then you could post this for your readership — I would imagine that many, many people would be look into this for us!

Thanks again

I briefly commented on the alopecia areata gene discovery when it was announced early last month, and although it is an exciting find that will hopefully lead to some new treatments, I’m not involved with pharmaceutical companies and have no inside track on drug development.

There is no drug that I know of that targets a gene for hair loss. That doesn’t mean there isn’t some active research and development going on — I just don’t know of any. I invite anyone with info or links to new findings to post in the comments below!