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First Genetic Test for Male Pattern Baldness to be Offered by Bio-Tech Startup.

We help people make informed decisions through simple, undertanndable Genetic Analysis, says Biotech Startup HairDX in a recent press release.

IRVINE, CA, JANUARY 28, 2008 (For immediate release) – Biotech startup HairDX (www.HairDX.com) today announced that it had received the seal of approval from the American Hair Loss Association, the nation’s foremost 501c3 non-profit membership organization dedicated to educating the public, healthcare professionals, main stream media and legislators about the emotionally devastating disease of hair loss (alopecia).

HairDX is the first genetic test available to consumers as a marker to help assess their risk and genetic predisposition for developing male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). "HairDX's genetic test for the onset of early male pattern baldness is an important breakthrough in the fight against hair loss. It's been well established that the key to the successful treatment of androgenetic alopecia (common hereditary hair loss) is early medical intervention” says Spencer Kobren, Founder of The American Hair Loss Association. “HairDX offers younger hair loss sufferers, and those with the genetic predisposition for hair loss the opportunity to empower themselves with valuable, scientifically based information. This information can be of tremendous use to both the patient and their physician when considering an effective course of treatment."

HairDX tests for a genetic variant found in more than 95% of bald men. 60% of patients with this variant experienced male pattern baldness before the age of 40, thus it is a marker for a significant increased risk of pattern baldness. This is in contrast to the less common genetic variant of the same gene, present in about 1 in 6 people, which indicates a greater then 85% likelihood that a person will not experience early onset pattern baldness. The test results provide useful information to patients who may wish to seek medical evaluation and treatment for increased hair shedding when it is most cosmetically successful - before substantial hair loss has occurred.

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