Through different conversations by email with inside sources, I have found some interesting information on both Rogaine Extra Strength and Propecia.  The news is good.  Very good - on both counts.  The information below is speculative and should not be taken as absolute fact.  Even if it is correct, the situation could change between now and then.

I have been starting to get concerned.  Propecia was submitted last December and still hasn't been given preliminary approval by the FDA.   Since it usually takes the FDA a bit of time to give final approval, if it doesn't get preliminary approval soon it won't be approved by year's end as predicted.   Rogaine Extra Strength, which was submitted in the same month as Propecia, was given preliminary over the counter approval in July - yet we haven't heard a word since.

It now appears that both may be available very soon, and that Rogaine Extra Strength (5%) may be available at a lower than expected cost.   Regrowth has learned that some resellers in the know are starting to get shipping information from Upjohn and that the final prices will be discovered within the next few days.  According to an informed source, "You will be happy to know that the price of the new OTC formula is close to the 2% formula with the twin pack being less expensive then the original 2% in price.  The 2% formula will be available for those that have problems with the 5% formula or don't need the stronger mix. The price will be less but not as near to the generics... There is planned a starter kit that includes the 5% formula plus progaine plus a video that should help users understand the product. The deal has a last order date of 12/31/97 in the US if the approval is made."   So it appears that Upjohn expects the approval of Rogaine Extra Strength at any time and that they will do as I recommended, which is price the 5% formula similar to the current 2% and drop the 2% price.

After getting this information, I thought I might as well check with someone about Proscar who has had useful information in the past.  The information I got was quite unexpected: "...the FDA Advisory Committee will meet in November to discuss release of Propecia, and that final release is anticipated in December. Merck is keeping a low profile so as to not jeopardize their efforts."  The last I heard from the same source, Merck was planning on charging around $40 per month for Propecia.

It will be interesting to see if Upjohn and Merck decide that they are in competition with each other and price their products accordingly.   In fact, one might wonder if the reason Merck is taking the lower priced road is that they fear competition by Propecia.  The two work great together and aren't really competition for each other except for the fact that Merck and Proscar will probably price them so that some people will have to choose one or the other.  I have the highest confidence in my Propecia source and can not find a reason to disbelieve the Rogaine source.  Let's hope these two are correct on their information.

Addendum 10/12/97: According to my source, Upjohn is hoping for and expecting approval this week, although this is not guaranteed.  If they get approval this week, they will ship early December.   When you see the headlines, remember you saw it here first, before any other publication in the world.

Addendum 10/14/97: This news according to a source in Australia - I do not know if this applies to the US:  "I am pleased to announce after consulting with my dermatologist specializing in hairloss in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on Tuesday 14/10/97; a person who is very close to an executive at Upjohn; stated to me that final approval for Rogaine Extra Strength has been given. I have no doubt at all, that this is a fact and true. This dermatologist is one of Australia's most prominent,and contributes to many hair journals. He stated to me that he had only spoken to this executive from Upjohn that morning. My doctor feels certain this will be available by the end of the year."