Q: I saw your post on the clinical trials of Latisse (bimatoprost) for hair loss on the scalp. What is the status of the study?

A: Allergan, the company that makes Latisse, is conducting safety and efficacy testing of three formulations of the drug for men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). The first phase of the trials is now complete and the study has moved into phase II. In this phase, the pharmaceutical company will be studying the results of the same three formulations of the drug, but this time they will be comparing them to results of a control option and also an over-the-counter minoxidil 5% solution.

In the March/April 2011 issue of Hair Transplant Forum International we see a review of research on stem cells and progenitor cells, and another indication of the importance of this research in achieving the goal of being able to clone human hair. Read more about this exciting line of research.

Q: There was a retrospective study by Lotufo et al. linking male pattern baldness to heart disease. Do you think there are other links like this for androgenetic alopecia?

A: Family studies revealed both the androgen receptor locus on the X chromosome, as well as a new locus on chromosome 3q26. Association studies performed in two independent groups revealed a locus on chromosome 20 (not near any known genes) as well as the androgen receptor on the X chromosome. Read on for the rest of the answer.

After trading anecdotes with fellow hair loss physicians about how finasteride can reduce body hair in some patients, Dr. Sharon A. Keene asked whether finasteride might have a negative affect on patients who have body hair transplant (BHT) procedures. While the current research is inconclusive, her review sheds light on how to avoid any possible negative impact that finasteride might have on patients who have body hair transplant procedures.