A joint research conducted by McGill University, Kings College London and GlaxoSmithKline Inc., have identified two additional genetic variants that cause male pattern baldness in Caucasians. Research also shows that male pattern baldness affects a third of all men are affected by the age of 45 and concern individuals both emotionally and economically.
Therapy for male baldness surpassed $405 million globally and hair transplantation expenditures in the US alone exceeded $115 million in 2007. With men, androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of baldness, where hair is lost in a well defined pattern above the temples causing the distinctive M shaped pattern and an alarming 80% of these cases are hereditary. Therefore researchers conducted a genome wide association study and discovered two previously unknown variants on chromosome 20 that increase the risk of male pattern baldness. Researchers also allege that the same genetic variant may be responsible for male pattern baldness in non-Caucasians as well.
Although these findings are a scientific leap, it does not mean that researchers are any closer to finding a cure. Dr. Brent Richards who is part of the research team says that only the cause has been identified, but for actual treatment to be developed more research is required.
At least the first hurdle has been crossed, and by identifying the cause, researchers can now start work on finding treatment.