A groundbreaking research paper published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy has mapped the complete molecular network governing human hair growth, opening a new avenue for treating hair loss without surgery or medication. Collaborating with QR678 Research, The Esthetic Clinics (TEC) has co-authored the study, which redefines androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of hair loss.
The global hair transplant market is valued at $15.22 billion and projected to reach $23.32 billion by 2030, according to a recent analysis. The paper proposes several therapeutic strategies, including stem cell therapies, to biologically “reset” hair follicles. These approaches have shown promising results in lab-grown tissues and animal models.
According to senior author Debraj Shome, the study reframes baldness as a malfunction of the body’s regenerative system. By understanding the five main molecular pathways that control hair growth, researchers can develop targeted treatments for AGA. The paper focuses on Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Notch, and AKT/MAPK pathways, which break down in cases of AGA, causing hair follicles to become inactive or dormant.
Early-stage clinical trials are expected to begin within the next two years, offering new hope for patients suffering from hair loss. The research has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of hair restoration, providing a clearer path without the need for invasive procedures.
Source: https://www.business-standard.com/health/researchers-map-hair-growth-pathways-non-surgical-hair-restoration-125072101340_1.html