Hair-Raising News

The turnout at last week's Food and Drug Administration hearing was unusually large, with many a gleaming pate to be seen in the crowd. The subject of discussion: minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine), the Upjohn Co. preparation that has given new hope to the balding and new vigor to the company's stock. Originally marketed as a treatment for hypertension, minoxidil, in liquid form, was found by 48% of the men in an Upjohn study to produce "moderate-to- dense" hair growth if applied twice daily. Dermatologist Robert Stern, who headed an FDA advisory panel reviewing the drug, finds this a bit misleading. "Under the best circumstances," he says, perhaps 15% would see enough hair growth "to make a visible difference." His panel nonetheless recommended that the agency approve the drug, making it the first hair restorer to receive such an endorsement. Those most likely to be helped by Rogaine: men under 30 with just one, small bald spot and plenty of money. A year's supply may cost about $600.