Hair Loss News

Dr. Dow Stough, a hair loss and hair transplant doctor in Arkansas, has just published a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showing the effect dutasteride has on sets of identical twins.

The object of the study was to compare the efficacy of dutasteride vs. a placebo in the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in 17 pairs of identical twin males with androgenetic alopecia over a 1-year period.

The seventeen pairs of identical twins were all Caucasian males between the ages of 18 and 50. They had a hair loss classification II, III, IV, or V MPHL, according to a modified Norwood/Hamilton hair loss classification scale

The study was randomized and double-blinded meaning that neither the twins nor the doctors knew which twin got the dutasteride and which twin got the placebo.

The twin that got the dutasteride received a 0.5mg/day dose for a period of 12 months.

At the 6 month and 12 month mark the hair growth of the twins was evaluated using standardized clinical photographs, hair counts, and patient self-assessment questionnaires.

The results of the studies showed that Dutasteride significantly improved hair growth at the 1-year mark compared to the placebo. The results were based on the analysis of the investigator assessment and the patient self-assessment questionnaires.

Sixteen of 17 sets of twins completed the study, of which 15 sets correctly predicted the use of dutasteride. Only one set could not determine the active drug from the placebo.

The clinical study proved that dutasteride significantly reduces hair loss progression in men with male pattern hair loss.

Dutasteride is a dual 5-alpha reductase inhibitor which is currently in Phase 3 trials for approval as a hair loss treatment.   It’s currently marketed and available under the brand name “Avodart”, for which it received FDA approval to be used as a drug to treat an enlarged prostate (BPH).

Dutasteride is suitable for use in men only.