Ukmedix has learnt that researchers in Genoa, Italy have discovered that a gene which was previously known to prevent cancer cells forming can also be instrumental in regulating hair growth. In research laboratories the mice that were bred without the gene were found to suffer from alopecia areata which is complete loss of hair.

The gene (called FHIT) it was concluded caused the mice to be eventually completely hair less and the research was published in a respected science journal. The research is especially important as it adds to the knowledge about the FHIT gene and confirms its place as a suppressor gene.

Previously the gene was thought only to be significant in research for cancer of the lung, breast and cervic, but this new research shows that the FHIT gene can prevent alopecia aretea opening up new paths of research for hair loss treatments and cures. The researchers did say that the discovery was not extremely important from a scientific view point but that it could have significant commercial potential and could really help in finding a cure to baldness using gene therapy.

Millions of pounds go into hair loss research each year fuelled by the knowledge that the potential market for the treatment is huge and could be extremely lucrative and be a money spinner for a drug company that gets its hands on the right formula.