Minoxidil Response Test
See if Minoxidil Works for You
Experience the first & only, at-home diagnostic test that will alter how you treat your hair loss. Take the guesswork out of finding a solution that is effective for you.
Research & Studies
With ten years of research backed by peer-reviewed, published clinical studies, the Minoxidil Response Test is a proven method of identifying Minoxidil non-responders.
Evolution of Minoxidil
In 1988, the FDA approved 2% topical Minoxidil (Rogaine®) as an effective treatment to combat androgenetic alopecia-induced hair loss in men and in 1992 for women.
The discovery of Minoxidil’s effectiveness as a hair loss therapy was accidental; it was originally an oral treatment used to treat high blood pressure by effectively dilating blood vessels. In treatments, some patients reported hypertrichosis, or hair growth, as a side effect. This side effect lead researchers to formulate a topical solution for targeted treatment of scalp hair loss, avoiding systemic impacts on blood pressure and bodily hair growth.
Since then, more iterations of the topical solution have been created, including a 5% solution. Despite its impressive ability in stabilizing and improving the appearance of hair density in some patients, response rates to topical Minoxidil therapy remain in the 50-60% range. Though some responders had more success with higher concentrations of the treatment, others remained unresponsive.
The Discovery of SULT1A1 Enzyme
Over time, our researchers discovered that Minoxidil must undergo a chemical reaction in the body to produce Minoxidil Sulfate, an active ingredient that stimulates hair growth. The key enzyme in this physiological reaction is Minoxidil Sulfotransferase.
Everyone has many types of sulfotransferase enzymes in various body tissues that work to add a Sulfate molecule to hormones, drugs, or other chemical compounds, through a process through sulfation. These enzymes can activate or deactivate the sulfated compound.
Varying levels of the sulfotransferase enzyme in the scalp correlate with the effectiveness of Minoxidil as a hair growth stimulant. (Citation) The amount of sulfotransferase enzymes is determined through genetics and it is believed that the genetic differences in sulfation capacity are likely the determinant of Minoxidil activation (citation). Non-responders appear to have little of this enzyme available to convert the Minoxidil into the active ingredient, Minoxidil Sulfate.