Propecia and How it Came to Be
PROPECIA ORIGINS
The discovery of Propecia, which is used to treat male pattern baldness was, quite frankly, a fortuitous accident. Merck scientists, dedicated to discovering treatments for serious illnesses, were working in Phase 4 (human, clinical trials) on the compound Finasteride (found in Propecia), which they had already confirmed as having significant potential to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH is prostate enlargement, which is not necessarily a precursor to Prostate Cancer. BPH and Prostate Cancer affect different regions of the prostate. Both, however, are associated with aging, and scientists have discovered a series of genetic markers that appear altered in both BPH and Prostate Cancer. This discovery led some to conclude that the link between BPH and Prostate Cancer may be more definite, though elusive, than previously thought.
MAKING PROPECIA
Using Finasteride (Proscar), researchers noted a definite improvement in both hair growth and re-growth in their test subjects. They continued trials of Proscar, hoping to treat BPH before it became debilitating (BPH, with its urinary urgency, and eventual incontinence, can seriously affect the lives of thousands of older men). While they were working, another group of researchers took the same compound, Finasteride (now sold as Procepia) and began new, clinical trials, at reduced dosages, to see if their observations had any merit.
In a series of four phases (from observation through animal testing and on to human subjects), the scientists confirmed that Finasteride, or Procepia, did in fact decrease hair loss and regrow hair in their tests subjects. Thus, a new drug named Propecia was born to help balding men regrow their hair.
This is a relatively common occurrence in drug trials; one series of trials producing unexpected results that leads to the development of a new drug, unrelated in use or potency to the original drug. Sometimes, it is a ‘goldmine’ drug like Propecia, which consumers are willing to pay for to treat cosmetic or health issues for which no previous, effective solution has been found. These ancillary properties may be related (such as a skin treatment that improves capillary action in facial tissue), or unrelated (as in the case of Procepia), though in fact the underlying causes of both BPH and hair loss are well known to the scientific community, if not to the average person.
Drug companies are always happy with these ancillary, or peripheral, discoveries. The bottom line is terribly important; if the company is not making money, it has to lay off researchers, and eventually close its doors. You cannot develop important, new drugs if you do not exist. Procepia is indeed a gold mine, and it allows Merck to continue working on drugs that may eventually cure cancer, diabetes and other serious illnesses.
Procepia, available by prescription only, in tablet form and taken once a day, has been proven useful to stop thinning hair and re-grow hair in men suffering from male pattern baldness. Having been on the market for ten years, the benefits of Propecia are apparent. Baldness is not a health threat, of course, and you will survive if you are completely bald. Still, for the millions of men experiencing hair loss, it is a critical issue of appearance and even self-esteem. Since mind and body are closely linked, both from a physician’s and a layman’s point of view, a loss of self-esteem may in fact be a deterrent to optimum health. Propecia, therefore, can not only grow your hair, but also grow your self-esteem.