TLDR Scientists have created a new hair loss treatment using ultrasound to deliver gene-editing particles, which resulted in up to 90% hair regrowth in mice.
In 2020, researchers developed a novel method for treating androgenic alopecia (hair loss) using ultrasound-activated particles to deliver the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system. The particles were designed to target and edit the SRD5A2 gene, a major contributor to hair loss. The study involved 10 mice and the treatment led to a decrease in SRD5A2 mRNA and protein levels, and an increase in VEGF protein level, which stimulates hair growth. The results showed high efficiency in gene editing and up to 90% hair regeneration in the treated mice by the 7th week. However, further study was needed due to observed off-target effects of less than 3% each.
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August 2022 in “Journal of Nanobiotechnology” Advancements in nanoformulations for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing can respond to specific triggers for controlled gene editing, showing promise in treating incurable diseases, but challenges like precision and system design complexity still need to be addressed.
November 2023 in “Materials Today Bio” Light therapy might help treat hereditary hair loss by improving hair follicle growth in lab cultures.
January 2024 in “Biomedical journal of scientific & technical research” CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing may effectively treat hair loss but requires more research for safe use.
October 2025 in “Cell Transplantation” New hair loss treatments like stem cells and gene therapy show promise but need more research for safety and effectiveness.
New hair regrowth therapies show promise but need more research.