A South Korean company released a new product in Europe that uses siRNA (small interfering RNA) technology to address hair loss at the genetic level. It claims to targets a protein called the androgen receptor, which binds together androgens at the hair follicle. RNA codes for proteins in the cells and the claim is that the DHT receptors on the hair follicles are not expressed (fewer or no DHT receptors are created) hence less negative impact of DHT on hair.
This product has yet to be released in the United States and hasn’t been approved by a regulatory agency. Products not tested by a regulatory agency do not have robust safety and efficacy data. The important thing to note is that these kinds of drugs aren’t for hair loss. Similar drugs are used to treat nerve damage or a genetic liver disease (acute hepatic porphyria). As a result it remains unclear how effective this drug will be at stopping or reversing hair loss. The technology of RNA interference has been tested, with varying levels of success, in the laboratory setting. A significant issue has been side effects caused by an inflammatory response created upon delivery.
This drug would fall under the cosmeceutical category. The cosmetics industry uses the term ‘cosmeceuticals’ for cosmetics that are claimed to have medicinal or drug like effect. Some companies use this term to describe their hair loss products. The U.S Food Drug Administration of America (FDA) does not recognise this category.
There are many cosmetic products available aimed at treating hair loss and most of them have very little supportive data. Seeing a medical hair loss specialist can help find the appropriate treatments for the unique needs of each individual.