Until recently, scientifically-validated hair loss treatments consisted entirely of compositions formulated to block a key precursor enzyme (5 alpha-reductase).  This enzyme precipitates the conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  DHT has been compellingly and repeatedly demonstrated to represent an important negative factor in the onset and progression of pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

In our lab, we developed naturally-derived DHT-blocking formulations that we showed, through published clinical evidence, to reverse pattern hair loss.  However, we also understood that other factors were important in the progression of AGA.  Working in concert with the Center For Functional Genomics (http://www.albany.edu/genomics) we tested a hypothesis based on the notion that key markers of inflammation are operative in pattern hair loss.  

Subsequently, we then tested compositions based on anti-inflammatory agents coupled with DHT-blockade.  The results of this work were ultimately published in the peer-reviewed medical literature (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=hair%20loss%20inflammation%20marcovici).  

To sum up, in a novel set of published experiments, we have shown that pathological inflammation plays a heretofore unappreciated role in the onset and forward progression of pattern hair loss.  This represents a second mechanism of action, as well as a compelling therapeutic target for deployment of new compositions.  Generation Five HairGenesis® is based on this work.  Clinical results that we've observed appear to strongly support our hypothesis  that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors combined with blockade of inflammatory processes could represent a novel two-pronged approach in the treatment of AGA with improved efficacy over current modalities.