In a joint research effort studying the genetics of the androgen receptor in androgenetic alopecia, scientists discover a possible genetic variation that pre-disposes COVID-19 patients to develop severe symptoms. The team led by Andy Goren, MD Medical Researcher and Co-Investigator with the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital Ramon y Cajal in Madrid, Spain, Sergio Vano Galvan from the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital Ramon y Cajal, Sabina Herrera, MD from the Infectious Disease Department at the University Hospital Ramon y Cajal and Carlos G. Wambier, MD, PhD from the Alpert Medical School of Brown University has initiated a study to discover the possible genetics variants leading to COVID-19 mortality.
The study titled “In-vitro Diagnostic Test to Predict COVID-19 Mortality and Disease Severity” (NCT04368897) is currently recruiting subjects. According to Dr. Goren: “certain genetic variants in the androgen receptor may also identify COVID-19 patients responsive to anti-androgen therapy.” The team is now embarking on a clinical study to explore the use of anti-androgen therapy in COVID-19 patients. Further, according to Dr. Wambier: “We hope that this study will help us understand the gender bias and also to identify why particular masculine phenotypes and ethnic groups are more vulnerable to COVID19. This is a core issue for appropriate therapy.”
ABOUT APPLIED BIOLOGY
Founded in 2002, Applied Biology, Inc. (www.appliedbiology.com), headquartered in Irvine, California, is a biotechnology company specializing in hair and skin science. Applied Biology develops breakthrough drugs and medical devices for the treatment of androgen mediated dermatological conditions. Applied Biology’s R&D pipeline includes a topically applied prophylactic treatment for chemotherapy induced alopecia; a novel diagnostic device that can aid dermatologists in identifying non-responders to topical minoxidil; an adjuvant therapy for non-responders to topical minoxidil; and a novel therapy for female pattern hair loss.
