128 Stabilization of Hair Loss with Use of Minoxidil Topical Solution

J. Rundegren1 and R.J. Trancik2. Pharmacia Consumer Healthcare, Helsingborg, Sweden1 and Peapack, NJ, USA2.

A post-marketing surveillance study in over 11,000 minoxidil topical solution (MTS) 2% users with androgenetic alopecia demonstrated that 4 out of 5 subjects experienced a slowing or stopping of hair loss with MTS (Rogaine/Regaine). Although subjects’ opinion of treatment results were considered to be important, further corroboration of these results was conducted and other data have been generated to support stabilization of hair loss. A recent analysis of hair count data in four multicenter studies evaluating both MTS 2% and 5% (two studies in females and two in males) has substantiated that hair loss can be stabilized with MTS use. The hair count stabilization data, based on a calculation of increased or unchanged number of non-vellus hairs compared to baseline, showed that for males the stabilization (percent of subjects) was 90% and 77% for MTS 2% users, and 96% and 75% for MTS 5% users. For females, the percentages were 87% and 88% for MTS 2% users, and 85% and 89% for MTS 5% users. In addition, using hair count data in subjects treated with MTS 2% and 3% for up to 5 years (Olsen et al [JAAD 1990;22:643-46]), it was estimated that hair loss stabilized in 4 out of 5 (80%) subjects. An evaluation of global photography, carried out by two blinded dermatology experts for a registration trial of MTS 5% in men, further supports stabilization of hair loss. One expert evaluated hair loss stabilization to be 94% in both MTS 2% and 5% MTS groups. The second expert reported stabilization in 85% of the subjects using MTS 2%, and 83% using MTS 5%. In conclusion, multiple studies support the ability of MTS to stabilize hair loss in 4 out of 5 users.