Merck's Propecia
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Rx hair regrowth treatment (finasteride) is "not an effective treatment for women with hair loss," the company says May 4, reporting new study results. The product was approved by FDA for Rx use in men Dec. 19 ("The Tan Sheet" Jan. 5, pp. 14-16). Presented at a conference in Brussels, the study showed that among 65 post-menopausal women treated with Propecia for one year, there was an 8.4% decrease in hair count in the scalp areas examined; among 69 women given placebo, there was a 6.5% decrease. The new results may bolster Rogaine sales. Pharmacia & Upjohn sells Rogaine for Women (minoxidil 2% solution) and is conducting a study on the use of topical 5% minoxidil solution in women, expected to be completed in 1999. Minoxidil 5% is the active ingredient in P&U's Rogaine Extra Strength For Men, launched in January ("The Tan Sheet" Jan. 5, p. 13)...