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Propecia (TM): First ever pill against male pattern hair loss now available in CanadaTORONTO, June 29 /CNW/ -A unique prescription treatment for male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is now available. PROPECIA(TM) (finasteride 1 mg), has received federal regulatory clearance from the Health Protection Branch of Health Canada. This is the world's first and only once-daily tablet for male pattern hair loss. Results of two-year long clinical trials involving 1,879 patients with male pattern hair loss, showed that PROPECIA(TM) stops hair loss in 83 per cent of men and stimulates hair growth in 66 per cent of subjects. ``Never before has any other product demonstrated such impressive results. This medication has been scientifically tested in large-scale clinical trials, more than 80 per cent of patients can now expect to either stop losing hair or actually grow some back - that's a remarkable figure,'' said Dr. Walter Unger, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Dermatology, Co-Director, Division of Dermatologic Surgery, University of Toronto and Director, University of Toronto Hair Loss Clinic, Wellesley Hospital. Trials for PROPECIA(TM) were conducted in several countries, including four centres in Canada. Results from these studies have been the subject of numerous presentations at the world's most prestigious medical conferences including the last annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Orlando, Florida. How does PROPECIA(TM) work? In the early 70s, scientists discovered that the enzyme 5-alpha reductase regulates the production of a derivative of testosterone, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a powerful hormone which shrinks hair follicles and eventually leads to hair loss. PROPECIA(TM) works by stopping the action of the enzyme responsible for the transformation of testosterone into DHT. Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) Male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in men. Typically, the hairline recedes to eventually form a ``M'' pattern on top of the head. It affects approximately 70 per cent of all men at some point in their life. Some men will start showing signs of MPHL in their early twenties and nearly 40 per cent of men will experience MPHL by the age of 35. Male pattern hair loss is thought to be triggered by a combination of heredity and DHT. Men with MPHL have hair follicles in the balding area of their scalp that are sensitive to DHT. ``PROPECIA(TM) is a very exciting product for men concerned by their hair loss. The drug is effective and well-tolerated,'' said Dr. Paul Cotterill, clinical instructor for the Department of Dermatology at the University of Toronto. PROPECIA(TM) is taken once daily. It can be taken with or without food at any time of the day. PROPECIA(TM) is available only by prescription. PROPECIA(TM) cannot be prescribed to women or children. In clinical trials, PROPECIA(TM) was well-tolerated by 98 per cent of patients. Less than two per cent reported a decrease in the amount of semen or not as much libido. PROPECIA(TM) is also available in seven countries. In December, 1997 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved PROPECIA(TM) in the United States. PROPECIA(TM) costs $1.49 per day exclusive of the pharmacist's dispensing fees. Merck Frosst is based in Kirkland, Québec and is Canada's leading research-based pharmaceutical company. The company markets an extensive line of cardiovascular products for high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and heart failure as well as a broad range of vaccines. Merck Frosst is also a recognized leader in the treatment of osteoporosis, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, prostate disease and other diseases. The company employs over 1,300 people of which approximately 300 are world-class scientists working in Medical Research and at the Merck Frosst Centre for Therapeutic Research, the largest biomedical research facility in Canada. The company currently spends more than $65 million per year in the research and development of innovative pharmaceutical products. Merck Frosst has just modernized its manufacturing facility at a cost of $75 million and has invested an additional $13 million to expand its research facilities. (TM) Trademark Merck & Co. Inc., Merck Frosst Canada Inc. licensed user -30- |
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