University of Pennsylvania researchers have identified a major cause of hair loss in men, and their discovery could soon lead to a cure for male pattern baldness.

In a study of the scalps of bald men, the researchers discovered that the protein PGD2 was three times more prevalent in bald patches than in hair-covered spots.

10 drugs already on the market can block the receptor that allows the protein to work, which makes it likely that a cream or ointment can be developed to treat male pattern baldness.

"Our findings should lead directly to new treatments for the most common cause of hair loss in men," the UPenn team said in a statement.

Future studies will determine whether inhibiting PGD2 can also treat hair loss in women.

[gizmodo]