biomedical, VC, aesthetic medicine
New Fundraising for Hair-Raising: Follica Takes in $11 Million for Baldness-Treatment Approach
Robert Buderi 8/12/08
If only hair could grow as fast as Follica’s pot of money. Just seven months after its $5.5 million Series A financing round, the Boston-based startup today announced it has raised an additional $11 million to bolster its efforts to develop new methods of treating male- and female-pattern baldness and other hair-follicle disorders such as excessive hair growth and acne. Follica, which confirmed a human pilot study of its hair-regeneration technique is underway, also added several new team members, including veteran life sciences and biotech executive G. Kirk Raab, former CEO of Genentech, who joined the company’s board as chairman.
The Series B round was led by Polaris Venture Partners of Waltham, MA (Polaris partner Kevin Bitterman also took a seat on the board), and joined by existing investors Interwest Partners of Dallas and Menlo Park, CA, (which led the Series A round); and founding investor PureTech Ventures, in whose offices Follica is headquartered.
Follica’s main initial focus is developing a treatment for the extremely common form of hair loss called androgenic alopecia—better known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. “This financing will enable us to build out the company and move well down the path towards [regulatory] approval,” says Daphne Zohar, managing director of PureTech Ventures (and an Xconomist). “Our research has been progressing in a very positive way. We have had significant interest from the venture community and while we just closed the Series A round a few months ago, and weren’t planning on bringing in more money for a couple of years, we recognize that additional funds enable us to move more quickly. We have worked with Polaris before and they have been a great partner to us which is why we accelerated the Series B round.” Zohar added that Follica is in the process of transitioning to its own office space, and that it already has independent lab space.
My story about Follica’s debut last January and its quest for a baldness cure sparked a long-running (440 comments and counting as of this writing) conversation among the startup’s would-be customers that’s still quite lively all these months later. This highlights the intense interest in—and vast potential market for—an effective treatment for hair loss. Follica, for its part, claims treatments for conditions of the follicle represent a $10 billion-plus annual market. As Zohar said of the general field of aesthetic medicine back in January: “There’s huge markets, and most of the technologies and things that are out there don’t come from real academic science. A lot of them are this late-night infomercial type of thing.”
Aiming to inject some credible science into the field, Follica was formed in late 2006 by PureTech and a roster of leading researchers that includes University of Pennsylvania stem cell biologist George Cotsarelis, Harvard Medical School dermatologist Rox Anderson, and Vera Price, director of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Hair Research Center. As part of today’s announcement, Follica said it has bolstered this scientific firepower with the addition to its scientific advisory board of Samir Mitragotri, an expert in transdermal drug delivery at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
At the root of Follica’s approach to hair loss is Cotsarelis’s discovery (made after the company was formed) that when the skin’s uppermost layers are removed some cells within the wound revert to a more basic state from which they can develop into either skin or hair—and that he could actually direct cells in this “embryonic window” to form new …Next Page »
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8/12/08 8:32 am
Amazing !!
Articles/progress like this make Aderans and InterCytex look like a preschoolers convention.
. . . . .
8/12/08 9:21 am
Woop woop woop, good news, COME ON FOllICA!!!
8/12/08 10:49 am
So the question is, do we switch boards? lol
8/12/08 11:08 am
third
edit: damn you shooooterrrrr
8/12/08 11:18 am
Zohar I love you, Cotsarelis I love you, Follica I love!!! This news makes my day, I guess a lot of guys day. Great news, thank you very much!! Please Follica don’t let us down and keep on going as quickly as you can.
8/12/08 1:05 pm
I think Follica gets 11 million in funding for every 440 comments we post here…. so let’s keep them coming lol
8/12/08 1:40 pm
“Zohar also demurred”.. what does demurred mean? Does she say that the no drug trial-rumour is wrong or doesn´t she wanna give away any info?
Sounds like the abrasive gel we heard reports about is the route they are hoping for, or what do you say? That would be very interesting and exciting. No sandpaper needed :)
They seem so more confident and serious than any other company I have followed. Hard not to get excited!
8/12/08 2:05 pm
It’s about time something is being done about the long neglected disease of male pattern baldness.
8/12/08 2:38 pm
Is that a year, from January, when Zohar’s intial comments where made, or a year from the start of the pre-clinical trials?
8/12/08 4:09 pm
Phil,
Yes - it’s a year from January. HOWEVER, Zohar said that the data won’t be in for AT LEAST a year. So don’t except any announcement in Jan 2009.
Z79,
“At this point we are looking at the human response to disruption and the timing of the human ‘embryonic window’ post disruption,”
That harvard study indeed is what Follica is doing right now, and that statement above also supports our conclusion that in this study Follica is checking for normal skin response to abrasion.
8/12/08 5:27 pm
I’ll show you an embryonic window!
… this post has no point, I just needed to sign up for follow up emails.
8/12/08 7:43 pm
Alright,
This is certainly good news. Follica, our faith is in you! You can do it!
8/13/08 4:49 pm
i would assume the second round of investment is based on evaluation of progress and associated due diligence…i guess this means they must be making headway…let’s hope …
8/13/08 4:52 pm
Any updates on Dr. Mercola? His statement (if true) was very significant. It would mean that a cure for baldness is 6 months away at this pointm (at least for high profile investigators like himself). Unlikely, yet I’m curious nonetheless.
8/13/08 5:11 pm
My guess is Mercola really was joking, but when his staff told him about the response, he instructed them to say he would “update us in his newsletter”. Good way to get some subscriptions.
The good news on this article is that Daphne claims they are on track to meet their earlier time line, but also says additional funding could accelerate it. Let’s hope eh?
8/13/08 5:28 pm
Yes, this shows consistencuy in Follicas / Reps approach, time lines and basic premise of science. Mercola was not joking and must be pointing to Follica. Also, if you look at this string…. Follica Takes in $11 Million for Baldness Treatment Approach you will see that Intercytex is still in the game and the update was June 2 2008. This will end-people and many researchers are jumping on the baldness wagon. Enjoy the news!
8/13/08 6:26 pm
R, what do you mean Intercytex is still in the game? Intercytex, imo, is definitely NOT in the game. They are liars pushing false timelines for funding (which they won’t get) and an organization run with Bosley executives hellbent on getting people’s hopes up and wallets open. You’ve stated before that you don’t believe in ICX so I’m just curious what you mean.
8/13/08 7:04 pm
Yes…..I should have explained further. I don’t trust Bosley and never considered Intercytex anything but a money mill….But, the article was posted on June 2, 2008 about the continuation of Intercytex and The London Times Article stated they are moving forward. This was my intention and to say that even though I have false hopes for Intercytex, the competition is moving forward to solve this disease.
Secondly, Intercytex is proving another method that may interest greater practioners to build upon the existing idea / platform and will most likely align hair science with multiple procedures and pathways.
Thirdly, I was suprosed to see the London Times article but believe many of the researchers and firms are starting to low-ball thier progress in fears of public nuances, trade secrets etc… We are in a race to find the cure / viable treatment and we cannot forget the breakthroughs by the following….Follica, Intercytex????….U of Bonn, Histogen, Luna and the Stanford researchers……these are the knowns so we will see major developments soon.
Again, Follica is building and receiving funding and recruited the top minds to date. Hang-on and enjoy the potential breakthroughs. Another note, researchers are viewing this and will jump on the band wagon as they are seeing that this treatment may be easier than previously thought!
8/13/08 7:57 pm
Thanks for clarifying. I personally think that Follica is the only company with promise in the *hopefully* short term. The other breakthroughs are nice, but I’m sure we all want an actual treatment sooner than later. And who knows, if we’re EXTREMELY lucky, Acell might yield some interesting results too…
8/13/08 9:38 pm
It’s nice to hear some positive news from Follica, Hopefully they will be able to kick on now and if it goes well get some more financial backing to speed it up even more.
I’m not going to count my chickens before they’ve hatched but i’m feeling a little more optimistic after this news.
8/14/08 4:46 pm
Ms. Zohar, Can you PLEASE confirm the regularity approval that you think is required for Follica i.e. do you have to go through phase-II & phase-III trials?
We’ve had several debates discussing whether FDA trials would be required or not, and still no one knows for sure. I’m asking this just so we can have a better estimate of when to expect follica in market. If its going to take at least 2-3 years from now, then I might as well move on with my life (btw, I’m NW7 @ 24 - really bald, and my life really sucks! :(
8/14/08 7:44 pm
YES!!! Finally some fresh news from Follica… their silence was starting to really upset me…
Not the news I wanted to hear, but I suppose more money and more scientists working on the team means better, and hopefully faster, results…
8/15/08 8:14 pm
YOU DON’T MESS WITH THE ZOHAR.
8/16/08 11:44 am
If follica will make this possible in future .That will be a big news for whole world in this decade.
8/16/08 12:29 pm
This sounds strange but we live in a time where appearance can determine someone’s life. We are all focussed on our bodies. If Follica’s brings the cure on the market, they deserve the Nobel price! They will make millions and millions of people happy and will give them a (better) quality of life.
8/16/08 4:23 pm
this is great news. R, what does this mean for companies like rogaine and propecia? Will they now have to seek alternative methods and try to get involved in the permanent hairloss race?
8/16/08 5:21 pm
I tend to avoid the role of the dissentor, but am I the only one who notices the BS in this? What legitimate medical company would refuse to share nominal results? Maybe the kind who doesn’t really have to much to share. By all means, PLEASE make me eat my words, but for now my words seem to be the only thing with some substance
8/16/08 6:34 pm
Patch, I agree with you, but I believe at this point Follica does not have any results to share. Their studies in humans have only just started (as far as we know) about two weeks ago. Hopefully if this company is legitimate (and I believe it is), they will make information more readily available as they develop their procedure. All we can do now is hope and speculate. You are absolutely right to be skeptical at this point. Many companies with similar goals have failed in the past.
8/16/08 6:36 pm
People,………..Even the under dogs are working to cure this and provide multiple paths to end hair loss. Remember, it is easy to be a nay-sayer but only those go across the grain invite opportunities.
http://stemcellbaldnesscures.com/hair-cloning/hair-cloning-has-arrived-with-follicular-cell-implantation/
8/16/08 6:41 pm
PEOPLE. lol I mean Patch. It’s not really BS as much as it’s Follica’s attempt to protect their intellectual property. There’s already a handful of guys self experimenting with Follica’s patent,and they’re seeing some results.
The last thing Follica wants is to have someone else beat them to the finish line. Silence certainly keeps the competition at bay.
8/16/08 6:41 pm
People. remember that this Follica procedure is nothing new and was discovered back in the 1950’s. Also, lay-people and other researchers have supported the same finding as well as provided new paths and logic to solve hair loss. Look at the Aug 2008 issue for Intercytex. Nobody want one firm to earn all the money. The Follica breakthrough just openend the flood gates to solve this disease. When in history have you see so many breakthroughs (also easier than previuously thought) but so many researchers and firms for hair loss? As well as support each others breakthrough by showing each path can restore hair. Compare U of Bonn, Intercytex??, Follica, Histogen, Luna and Standford. They all as well as many more behind closed doors are working hard for the cure and their pockets. Billions!!!!!!!!!! And Nobel prixe will be earned!!! Also, this will support other organ and bilogical cures along the way.
8/16/08 7:31 pm
I think it is just good that they don’t come with some miracle pictures of a guy with a full head of haire AT THIS MOMENT. Can you remember the bald patch that was totally filled with Dutasteride, how maney of us got that kinde of regrowht?? The trials have started yet, it takes time to enhance their procedure to get optimal regrowth in most men, not one or two to just show it to the public.
8/16/08 8:54 pm
Someone made a great point: The race to the finish will be our greatest advantage as the consumer. Its the defining feature of capitalism! But my contention was the puffery that seemed to be Follica’s announcement. I’m sure their intellectual property is as protected as it can be with patents and rights of exclusivity. I would just expect some validation of their research/results to maintain their credultiy
8/16/08 10:11 pm
Am I the only that finds it a little weird that supposedly Follica’s human trials have already begun, and they have not released a word about it?
I kind of understand why Follica is so quiet about their work, but come on…
We just want to know want to know what in God’s name you’re doing! We’re not asking HOW you’re doing it!
8/16/08 10:44 pm
Patch
RE credibility: Follica’s credibility lays in the caliber of academics and seasoned business associates contributing to the company. The scientists are actually experts in dermatological disorders; the executives have actual experience bringing new products to market.
RE validity: It would be nice if they could validate everything today, but keep in mind 01) Follica is not publicly traded, so they don’t have to divulge anything, 02) Dr Cotsarelis substantiated some of the research back in 2007 (http://www.sciencefriday.com/news/051807/news0518071.html) 03) There were a few posters in the previous xconomy article that substantiated hair regrowth after damage. 04) There are people, from various message boards, seeing some results via amateur attempts using Follica’s patent 05) Follica just started trials, so there’s little to show to the public. 06) Patents or not, I’m sure Follica’s business side is mindful of the competition, and regulatory approval more than our desire for facts.
8/17/08 12:10 pm
People…Follica has brought to view the process as much as possible and we are trying to solve this disease over night. We need to give it a good year to allow for manipulation of the procedure to obtain great results. Secondly, Patch, your concern is warranted but we are here for one reason…We belive this will work and remember that many other companies and people are showing results…in diverse strategies.
Also, we need to be real…the scientific approach require time and we would not expect automotive and or any other business to show their latest breakthrough without the proper time to analyze and correct setbacks. Why are expecting anything sooner? This is immature and we need to wait a year. Follica is real and the procedure was duplicated from the 1950’s - today!
Competition is growing and the need to cure this creating a race from knowledge workers and not fly-by-night informercial products.
Follica is doing us a favor and we should wait until the results can be shared. They (follica) will not jump the gun again and create a nuance for the company. If everyone thinks this is a failure and then do waht Grommit did and leave. Everyone who stays knows they are here for one reason…they believe this will work or why waste your time here?
Please visit science daily news and see how fast science is moving in all directions. You will be amazed!
8/18/08 6:39 am
R… would like to know its opinion on this article above, HypeScience, speaking on the kit of follica for the next months, me it seems an utopia, you also thinks this? thanks.
8/18/08 1:04 pm
A user translated it on this forum:
http://www.hairsite.com/hair-loss/forum_entry-id-36775-page-0-category-1-order-last_answer.html
If it is about to come out as a kit in few months and sold widely to everyone relatively cheap, I have a feeling it will just be slightly better than Rogaine and Propecia, which means it is not the “cure” we hoped for :(
8/18/08 1:33 pm
For the Love of God! They haven’t even done their trials yet, and you’re thinking it’s not the cure - real smart!
8/18/08 2:42 pm
Want to trade lots of money for thick luxurious hair.
8/18/08 2:56 pm
Why do people think that if the Follica treatment doesn’t cost a fortune it won’t be very good.
8/18/08 3:19 pm
How much it costs is irrelevant, the results of the trials will show how effective it is.
I was simply saying I would be willing to pay large sums of money for a truly effective treatment. Effective being 95-100% recovery of my hair.
8/18/08 3:43 pm
Yeah, it will be sold at the Walmart as a familypack. Buy 4 pay for 3 and grow hair for the entire family. If Follica completes their procedure, it will be world news and a phenomenon. For the first time mankind has cured hairloss. Besides that it is the life work of many people working for Follica, they cannot give it away as a simple put it on product.
8/18/08 3:56 pm
Alright, a couple things. 1) G is right, Follica hasn’t even DONE their trials. We have no idea how effective it’s going to be. Furthermore, since PRELIMINARY trials JUST started, the article must have made a mistake when they quoted “months” instead of years. There is no way that this hasn’t been tested on real people fully and is still expected to be released in months. 2) Just because they use the word “kit” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s Rogaine. The kit, as far as I know, will be sent to dermatologists to administer under professional supervision. Cotsarelis himself said this process “is in no way simple.” 3) Even if this isn’t a “cure” there are a few things to consider. Anyone that REALLY wants their hair back only needs 20-30 percent density from Follica’s procedure. A carefully executed transplant can take care of the rest if need be. 4) If Follica’s procedure is effective at all, I see no reason why it can’t be performed multiple times to enhance results. Let’s just do our best to wait and see.
8/18/08 4:11 pm
Why are you so quick to accept mediocre results? 20-30% density from Follica would be an outright failure in my view.
8/18/08 4:16 pm
…and propecia and rogaine are a success?
8/18/08 4:25 pm
People…THINK!!!!! Why would Follica when they just started trials already be marketing a damn kit??? This is one viewers speculation and if it is this easy to regrow all your hair….Remember new follicles….Then this would be more than remarkable. You purchase the kit for $200 and you have hair for life!!! This is the path of the kit based on the previous science of hair growing forever with Follica’s approach.
I highly doubt that we will see a kit based on the science and research being conducted. But..Think! If it is this easy and we have heard of lay-people acheiving same results in the bathroom with medeval tools then why worry?
You restore just 50% density and you will see major coverage. I bet this will produce at least 80% coverage which will be the same as 100% with the naked eye. You only notice hair loss when 50% of the area in question minaturizes. So 60% coverage would show great results.
Please stop over reacting and look at everything intelligently. HELLLLLLL I FORGOT THEY FOUND BIG FOOT!!!!! YOU don’t think that maybe these reporters like to pull peoples chains?
Again, they stated in the article to regrow like beards etc.. to add coverage and hair for people. I hope it is a kit and it is that simple. I would be happy for simpllicity with excellent results especilly if the hair persists as they and others have concluded. Relax and spend more time researching big foot and let real science prevail. The reported was probably bored!
8/18/08 5:07 pm
R, you are very right. I hope your speculation on density is correct. 80% would be a Godsend!
P, I didn’t mean to say that I’d be satisfied with 20-30% density. I was just trying to make a point that noone truly knows (probably not even Follica) what the exact density will be. For that reason we can’t assume failure (i.e. Rogaine and Propecia) or success (95% density with a take-home kit). Sorry for the confusion. I hope for all of our sakes the best case scenario plays out.
8/18/08 5:58 pm
A kit makes perfect sense once you get past the current debate of timelines and pricepoints.
If Follica sees success they’ll need a distribution network. They can’t exactly open a chain of international hair outlets overnight; however, every city has a doctors office, a dermatologist, or a cosmetic spa staffed with competent people. Offer them an easy-to-follow kit, and you’re set.
Potentially, this is one of Follica’s biggest advantages over other Hair Multiplication technology. Companies like Aderans, and InterCytex require costly cell cultivation equipment, highly qualified techs to biopsy and micro inject the scalp. Follica could forgo all that drama if they could turn their product into a kit.
8/18/08 7:19 pm
If they plan on manufacturing these kits themselves they may have to go public.
Assuming great results, Follica going public could mean big time money for investors. Perhaps my hairloss obsession could be *gasp* profitable?
8/18/08 8:53 pm
P…I wasn’t talking about your post it was the post by D i was talking about. I haven’t got a clue what the cost will be like everyone else and i think that report was going off old information.
8/18/08 11:48 pm
I’m still confused as to how this kit could b out within months? How do we know that article is even credible?
8/19/08 12:33 am
I wonder if the article got it wrong. Maybe there is a hair growth kit but it’s not made by Follica. I found a patten on what sounds like this hair growth kit but I don’t see any familiar names on it, although I still want to do more research on this. Also, I have read some poor journalism before where the author was just incorrect or got things mixed up.
Here is the link.
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6288112.html
8/19/08 11:12 pm
That article definitely got it wrong.
Everyone has to ask themselves how a company could possibly release a commercial product in 2 months when it barely started trials –and we’re talking rudimentary trails that just involve wounding, but don’t involve compounds.
It’s merely a case of poor reporting.
8/20/08 6:51 am
IT WOULD LIKE THE OPINION OF ALL ON AN ARTICLE THAT I FOUND HERE IN BRAZIL ON AS TO STIMULATE FOR THE ONES IN BODY… PS: THE PAGE ALONE IS FOUND IN PORTUGUESE.>>>>>>>> http://www.patentesonline.com.br/enxerto-biomimetico-de-foliculo-capilar-tecido-engenheirado-25704.html
8/20/08 6:55 am
IT WOULD LIKE THE OPINION OF ALL ON AN ARTICLE THAT I FOUND HERE IN BRAZIL ON AS TO STIMULATE FOR THE ONES IN BODY… PS: THE PAGE ALONE IS FOUND IN PORTUGUESE.>>>>>>>> http://www.patentesonline.com.br/enxerto-biomimetico-de-foliculo-capilar-tecido-engenheirado-25704.html
8/20/08 3:22 pm
There is a post on a hairloss forum with someone claiming they have insider knowledge on the subject. They said (back in January) that Follica would have hairloss “cured” within 1-2 years… that would be sometime in 09.
“Cured” to me screams full recovery. Ohh baby I hope so.
PS: I make no assertion to the validity of this persons claim, but some of the other forum members seemed to consider him reliable.
8/20/08 4:10 pm
Yeah, I “woke” up that post. I am “Striver” on the hairsite :). Well I guess they will at least know how good it works in 2009, whether they can get back a full head of hair with their first try or not.
8/20/08 4:37 pm
Please, please, please don’t get caught up too much in this “insider” bullcrap. The internet’s full of lonely people looking for attention.
8/20/08 5:23 pm
Illegitimate
Nonsense
Supported anonymously
In spite of
Details,
Expert analysis and
Reason
8/20/08 10:11 pm
Anyone read the new link below? Any thoughts?
8/20/08 10:40 pm
Same old info, different format. People ripped the patent apart pretty much the day it was published.
There are people trying their damnedest to get a hold of all those drugs on the list and do this at home. So far the results (from what I’ve read) have been less than stellar, but there HAS been results.
Obviously the doctors at Follica would be much better at this in any case.
8/20/08 10:45 pm
Well suffice it to say, Follica has been able to generate the industry buzz that precedes any great product release, vis a vis any Mac product
8/20/08 10:47 pm
Mac products huh?
Well… let’s hope Follica works better than Vista.
8/20/08 11:52 pm
Imagine if Steve Jobs got his hair back with Follica. It would be like an explosion heard round the world.
That guy shits and it turns to solid gold…
8/21/08 12:18 am
One thing that really gives me a sense of trust on Follica is its staff; I mean I don’t Zohar would be hiring every single expert in every single area remotely related to hair in the entire Universe if she didn’t believe her company was on to something real…
But that’s just my thinking…
8/21/08 6:03 pm
Ok….We are now seeing progress, formulas, investment and voices claiming to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, who is up for waiting with a Realistic and Intelligent Timelline so we can see the actual results? Regardless of this being a kit, HT Doctor and or Dermatologist, the underlying factor is success. If it were a kit…which is not to hard to believe based on the posters who have tried this themselves, then such a kit would represent a simple solution to a common problem.
You see it is not that hard to see the simplicity of this due to the knowledge and advancement of science. Once they understand the underlying mechanism, then they just have to work to create an artifical environment to mimick and trick the body’s on biological process.
I say this in regards to the multiple posts at numerous hair sites and when one individual presents and shawdow of doubt..the masses run to non-believer side. Please understand that the “Secret” formula is out and many scientist and firms are racing to cash in on this procedure. I believe that if it is a kit and the results are favorable….then we all win.
8/22/08 12:09 pm
R: I would like to get some advice from you. I emailed Follica before asking when they could expect to launch their product on the market, just a rough estimate (3-4 years or more?). I got now answer, beside the standard reply. I asked this because I would like to plan a regimen to get some regrowth. I have thinned in the front and a bit on the top, so I am considering of maybe doing something about it. I am just afraid of the current treatments. So I would like your opinion on this since you seem to have a lot of experience about this: should I do something now or wait until a better treatment? I think I could wait 2 more years, but not much more after that.
8/22/08 3:32 pm
I too would like to know this. If I knew for certain a “cure” or extremely effective treatment was coming, I would really like to get a transplant now. Future loss is a huge concern so I can’t possibly commit to one without more information. Advice? How do we know that Follica will be better than say Rogaine (groundbreaking at the time, but not much in the big scheme of things)?
8/22/08 4:00 pm
Seriously guys. NOBODY has those answers. Not right now anyways.
8/22/08 4:25 pm
If nothing works to control my hairloss (yet to be determined), I’m shaving my head and not worrying about it.
Hair transplants are too expensive, and imo make you look worse if they are not done extremely well.
The guy from PBS broadcasting comes to mind. Every time I watch Newshour with Jim Lehrer I can’t stop looking at one of the broadcasters plugs. It’s almost irritating.
8/22/08 4:37 pm
Not only that P, but if ever talk to guys who had a hair transplant more than a decade ago they’ll tell you that their transplanted hairs actually diminish in volume. Some of the guys on hairsite reported %50 loss of their transplanted volume.
So if you’re keeping track: 01) Most transplant doctors have the ethics of a greasy used car salesman. 02) Hair transplants are woefully overpriced for 99% of the people out there 03) Transplants produce a fleeting illusion of hair at best 04) Results are rarely good, but those are the results doctors use to promote their crappy service. 05) Transplanted hair volume decreases over time (along with your donor supply).
BOTTOM LINE - pray Follica works !!!
8/22/08 4:41 pm
Those are good points, rev. That is exactly why I am so hesitant. Do you have an estimate when you think we’ll have enough information to make an educated decision?
8/22/08 4:56 pm
If Follica stays true to its word (the original xconomy article) than we should have some TANGIBLE results (good or bad) by the beginning of 2009 (which really isn’t too far away if you think about it).
Of course, everything I say is pure speculation; I’m in the dark along with the rest of you guys (and gals).
8/22/08 5:19 pm
Personally i wouldn’t bother with a HT, I would rather shave my head and get a baseball cap than line the pockets of those charlatans. Even if follica dosen’t show the results that we hope for i’m 100% certain a real treatment will be available in the next couple of years, Science is moving too fast for there not to be.
8/22/08 5:53 pm
Wow, JS, for some reason whatever you just said made sense. I hope you are right about the treatment thing, but even if you aren’t, there is no way I could in good conscience support that business (and scar my own head).
8/22/08 6:36 pm
ya I wouldn’t go the HT route. It doesn’t lead to positive results. What I wanted to know though is if it’s better to go and use rogaine while we wait for the possible cure. I’ve heard mixed reviews of the product but isn’t it a safer bet than a HT or propecia?
8/22/08 7:01 pm
Lucky everyone of you who have the Internet to learn and grow. HT’s work very well and with good doctors they are undetectable. Men and women around you have it done and yes even Cotsarelis stated that HT’s last for ever so stop thinking otherwise. Bad posters spread rumors. You have seen bad Breast Aug.. at the bar yes! but would still date the lady. My point is that any procedure, drug and alterntaive approach is a personal one and you should research every avenue. You only hear and see bad procedures and never say that HT’s don’t last forever and or the results are bad. I have and researched live people and you can’t tell!!! Only the nad ones and many are older people who just don’t give a damn anymore and you wont either as you age see the world through grown up eyes.
My advice…HT’s work very well and last forever. But…..you decide what is best for you and you only. Follica will work and everyone here is lucky that we are educating you or the alternative would have been bad procedures and foolish drugs etc… Never assume anything until you walk in someones foot steps and understand their emotions.
Today hair loss is accepted but that never gives you the right to assume that any procedure or approach is wrong unless you investigate and speak to live (in-person) individuals in order to see things first hand. Many good HT doctors will let you see patients….My take is to wait as I am more mature today and see that it really doesn’t matter if you are bald. I started losing mine since the age of 22 and maintained most it. The frontal area is HT’s and nobody even when I tell them including hair stylist can not tell it was ever done! Theynare amazed and say I am lying. Hell my long-time friends forgot that I ever don Ht’s and its been 14 years. People….You only hear and see the bad procedures in society no matter the ailment. Follica will work so wait!!!
Most hair site posters repeat words and talk a big game but trully don’t have first hand accounts. I will log in as a new member and downplay everything here and you would all see doom and gloom. Please understand that if I did not care nor the others, you would never be properly informed.
Question: Who knows more than those that experienced the path taken? Until you tried and walk the path, your comments are speculation. If you want good HT doctors see the bald truth and if you good alternatives visit the MPB website with natural solutions.
Please ask questions to people when they comment and you will see that they lack history. Your response did you experience first hand yes or no. Answer no, tell them goodbye!!! They are noise makers. Real knowledge people would explain and share wit you.
Also, hollywood women (many) and men (many) are HT patients and you can never tell the good ones!!!
8/22/08 7:04 pm
Adding my 2 cents to the “What’s available” convo.
I tried propecia. It made my man parts BURN like crazy the two weeks I was on it. Also during that time I had no desire to have sex with my girlfriend which, needless to say, did not make her happy. Add in the fact that she doesn’t care about my hair but cares if I am fully functional, the propecia was dropped.
I would never do a HT for the reasons you guys mentioned.
Rogain? Never tried it, maybe I shall as a last resort.
I truly believe that if you want a full head of hair back, a hair piece is the way to go. I know many of you are groaning now, but the people who say “they can always spot a piece” are full of crap. Yes, there are some terrible ones that people make obvious, but if you do your research and take your time you can have amazing results. I would never suggest going to the rip off salons but would consider a local one if the price was right. If you are willing to pay a few thousand per year, you can have your hair back.
Am I advocating hair pieces? No, I don’t think I will go that route. I’d much rather shave my head down and be done with it. However, I really do see hair pieces as the solution for many men’s hair problems.
8/22/08 7:16 pm
Sorry R, but you are incorrect.
Hair transplants don’t last forever for everyone. If you don’t believe me than you’re free to ask people that had a hair transplant over a decade ago. If you’re attributing those results to poor transplant doctors than I dare you to list-off ten good ones because I’m hard-pressed to name three… that’s not a large number consider 50% of men and 30% of women suffer from hair loss.
8/22/08 7:35 pm
Seriously fellas, if you are young and losing your hair fast (like me) DO NOT get a hair transplant.
Not only is there a large risk in continuing to lose your hair (and eventually look like a guy with obvious hair plugs), but you get a scar which makes shaving your head impossible and TRAPS you in the land of nightmares. On top of all that! is EXPENSIVE! Plus there is always the potential that it goes wrong.
That is a whole lot of risks in my personal opinion.
The website “http://www.hairloss-research.org” has a lot of great information on non-prescription supplements that are supposed to help (I can’t validate any of it, I only just started them). Also, “http://www.overmachogrande.com” has a great deal of information about laser therapy (which I also cannot validate the results of since I am just starting them).
In both cases, assuming you did everything they recommend, the price is far lower, and the risk is far less, but the potential for gain (imo) is greater… depending on your level of hairloss of course.
Edit: interesting that they are moderating comments now. I wonder why.
8/22/08 7:38 pm
People…..You are witnessing personal experiences and opinions…some bad and good results that are being shared with all of you. Please remember that we all care and want this to end. Follica is backed by hard-working scientist and supported by people like us and billions of dollars that will line thier pockets, not including fame.
In a nut shell…all choices are personal and never say on procedure is better than another due to it being a personl choice and results vary based on hair loss pattern and severity. I forgot I have ever done HT’s and women ask me out..call me handsome etc… The Ht’s are over 14 years old and counting. many HT’s been done since WWII and still lasting by known people in my life. They fixed the pluggy look but would never tell!!!
Everyone here is cares and we need to support each other rather than down play procedures, supplements or drugs. You ask and we will share individual stories. Propecia for example did not stop me form sex but many others experienced the effects. You see, your body determines the response!
Let’s keep this forum healthy and realistic based on facts and personal experiences. I have seen the pros and cons of all procedures and pills and share to inform and offer real hope and a clear mindset when you look and respond to someone.
Remember train wrecks are usually shared! You see and hear mostly bad posters spreading rumors and false claims. I will say this…go to the hairsite and see how many people think Follica and everyone else is a failure…Why do they waste their time then???
I am an advocate to wait based on my experiences but would defend good procedures, supplement and doctors when warranted. My regret to HT’s is not the results…it was my decision at the age of 24 and being young without the Internet and people sharing. Again, my results are excellent…my lack maturity made me jump the gun.
Now….There are numerous supplemts that support hair growth and located on a website called http://www.hairloss-research.org/
Good HT doctors located The Blad Truth Website.
Good hearted and caring people….Here! I hope this disease ends and I hope you take my advice and comments to heart. I will never promote anything but will defend real doctors and results based on first hand experiences. I am often used as an example of a good HT’s in hair salons etc {an people still can’t tell and want the number, the scars are hidden and real short haircuts don’t show scars},,, but still I will tell you to wait as something big is coming soon.
Be mindful and challenge everyone who brings negativity to the forum. Ask questions and see if they have first hand history to support their comments. You will be suprised how many are just repeated blanket statements with strong biases based on lack of knowlegde. This website is used to stop this behavior and Zohar etc… vistits here only! Lead forums by example!
8/22/08 7:53 pm
Rev you stated for everyone…Yes! because many are not harvested correctly, wrong donor location, senile hairloss based on late age and this compliments diffuse thinning. Follica procedure may not work forver either and the dermabrasion and or new follicles may create a problem, but we don’t know that yet. You see many of the past 10 years HT’s were still being done by incompetent doctors and the results are showing when resident hair recedes.
There are many factors but individual response to anything is the nutshell. I will not name any doctor results are personal exeriences. Even the best hospitals and doctors have failures and you hear those responses qucikly in the media.
I can only share that over 14 years and mine look strong and I forgot they were ever there and so have my friends and strangers when told can’t tell in any light (Itested the HT’s in different lighting)with success.
I still say wait as explained above but look at your source Rev and what research have you done in live form / interviewed those from good doctors and good results?
I just my experiences and will say wait! But I never accept blanket statements and or false words by a few posters who myst have had bad HT’s.. Many HT patients in the past were never good candidates due to their pattern being diffuse and yes many men experience women pattern hairloss. So many factors contribute.
However, I support your comment Rev and state that all party’s should wait and see the next generation of procedures and potential cure for hairloss. By the way, many drugs, procedures and supplements have killed, mamed and scarred people for life..even the common ones and these events plague the web.
8/22/08 8:11 pm
I like to add something people…why are HT’s not lasting more than 10 years today when bad ones were done in WWII era and still growing?
Remember that a few bad posters eliminates any attempt at that procedure, we should then eliminate rogaine, propecia, wigs, hair extentions, vitamins etc… My comment is there will be bad results and any bad result will outweigh 1000 good!
So..please remember you only know mostly when things go bad and hardly the good. There are people experiencing great results with many of the aforementioned products and procedures and many on T.v. Movies etc… Yes you see bad results but never the good ones.
Now….I still say wait and shave the head as this would have been my take if I had the Internet in my day due to seeing new opportunities and being more mature and not caring anymore. I hope my responses help and you know that I trully care about all of you and the best for all you. I mean it everyone… not trying to be sentimental..but I care and we need to have more ladies visit so we can help them as well as cancer and injured patients in hopes to give them hope and leaer vision. I appreciate all your rebuttals and understand why you think the way you do and I would too if brought in on a another platform. So… we are here and hopefully we can continue to help and support each other.
8/22/08 8:48 pm
I guess you’re right R (that 50% volume loss is the exception and not the rule); Having said that, I know of 5 people on hairsite, and one person from another board that either suffered from poor regrowth or volume loss over time.
I’m simply saying that hair transplants are the epitome of an uphill struggle. First you’re lucky if you can afford them, than you’re lucky to find a competent ht doctor, than you’re lucky to achieve the illusion of hair without depleting your donor supply, and than you have to worry if your transplants will lose volume or if your drug regime will lose its potency over time.
8/22/08 8:57 pm
R said:
“I like to add something people…why are HT’s not lasting . . . ”
Answer: senescent alopecia (look it up)
“bad ones were done in WWII era and still growing?”
There were no hair transplants for male pattern baldness until the late 1950’s.
8/22/08 9:36 pm
Volume loss is usually surrounding hair fallen out and mistaken for HT’s this is being recognized and at one time I thought the same thing but found that my surrounding hair fell out. Your eyes plays tricks on you especilly when your going through this shit!
Secondly, WWII era! HT’s etc… WWII era 1941 etc… 1950’s time line era not the actual date…just to make a point of time and sustained growth… is still how many years 58? And hair is growing. HT’s were not done by many but done and people still have hair growing. Secondly, you have stated a few people but 1000’s of others with good results are still feeling good. More and more women are doing this procedure and its growing with greater number of people, many of whom are on T.V. especially women.
With everything said, I don’t want this to be a HT Forum or another hair site. We only trully hear the negative and this is shown by people down playing Follica before the trials. My point is that everyone responds differently and it’s your choice. I have witnessed many people down play hair loss until they experienced it and now they are freaking out and would consider cow pucky if it worked! Smile
To get back to reality here in this forum, Follica will be the catalyst and is mind you to end this diesease. The science and people involved as well as those self-experimenting is reality enough. Also, we all know that one of the desperate people out there will try Acell and may even discover another platform. We have many high-intense / desperate people and who knows what will come out of these experiments.
Later this year…I believe more news will shed greater light and I’ll bet that Follicas technique as hinted with a potential take home kit will be easier than previously expected. Another great thing about Follica is that many dermatological diseases will nbe potentially cured. We have it bad??? Try Vertiligo, burns, major injuries and disfigurement. We need to keep things in perspective and hope that not only hairloss is cured but the millions of people scarred and disfigured by skin ailments and disease.
We are trully lucky compared to many and need to appreciate Follica and others trying to solve this disease as well other dermatological problems hampering people and their true being.
I will not comment further on HT’s as everyone here can research and speak in-person with those that like their results. We hear all the negative with the select few and unfortunately these select few outweigh the million positive. So, we stay focused on the latest breakthroughs and paths to end this disease. Here my supplment approach to fight hairloss with my own success.
Propecia, Green Tea Extract, Curcumin, Reservatrol, Taurine and multivitamin. The natural supplements have awesome health benefits backed by science. Curcumin blocks propecias side efects. Supplements from Life Extension Foundation with scientific reports explaining the health benefits. I hope this helps everyone!
8/22/08 9:54 pm
News…Drugs don’t lose potency with hair loss… your hair loss progresses beyond the drugs capability. So it is best to tackle hair loss from muliple levels and areas. I have stoppped propecia for several years and came back to it with the same good results. This shows that again, comments from people are only individual experiences and not the majority. You will hear many negative responses from Follica due to incompetent application, bad reaction to one of the ingredients etc…. So we must keep our perspective and this is why I want multiple companies and different treatments due to not everyone may be able to take some of the procedures due to side effects. Multiple choices should be available.
See this string that helped me tackle hair loss to an all new level.
http://www.hairloss-research.org/february1.html
8/22/08 10:10 pm
I’m sorry to argue with you again R, but it’s quite common for propecia to lose some of its potency at the 6-7 year mark. I’m not saying it happens to everyone, but it happens often enough.
Again, it’s more the reason we need something more legitimate than the current offerings for hairloss.
8/22/08 11:48 pm
Seriously.
I mean if we are willing to PAY for a prescription that has the potential for wang limping side effects and MEDIOCRE results, just imagine how much money there is to be made on a real treatment.
I really hope they will be announcing results by next Jan. I can start saving my pennies if it works as well as I pray.
8/22/08 11:53 pm
Rev its not that Propecia loses its effeciency its just that mpb has run over the top if it. Remember that MPB cant be STOPPED at this point in time by any drug it can only be halted for an interim period. So the drug does not actually lose any effeiacy its just that mpb has progressed past what the drug can actually do for you.
8/23/08 2:08 am
Come on guys, The reason we’re here discussing the latest developments with Follica is because the current methods don’t come upto scratch, We could go round and round in circles if we start talking about HT’s lets leave that to the people on Hairsite.
8/23/08 6:15 am
Remember that Histogen is knocking on Follicas doors and benchmarking their approach. They plan a 2015 launch - about 6.5 years from now and they are on the back side of Follica. They stated that the formula would be able to create new follicles as well as awaking resting ones. Fuchs has shown that the follicles are alive but resting (just need the right amount of signaling), so Histogens and Follicas formula may be enough to awaking the sleepers. This would give you all your hair back without the need for new ones.
Histogen is looking at both approaches and as long as they change the micro environment you will not need additional hair just awaken the sleepers.
Many hairs awaken with current treatments so strong signals from wnt and other growth factors may be all that is needed. It was interesting to see that many of the resting follicles awaken. If Histogen is on the back side and benchmarking Follica with a 6.5 year launch, Follica,s 3 - 4 years is not that far fetched.
8/23/08 9:47 am
People….Any news on this group?
New IND Submission for Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)
Indication Using ASC-J9 Foam
AndroScience Corporation is also in the development of ASC-J9 as a topical treatment
for androgenetic alopecia (AGA, or male pattern baldness). For this indication,
ASC-J9 is being formulated into a new Foam formulation. A new IND for AGA
indication, using ASC-J9 Foam, is expected to be submitted to the FDA in Q3 of 2008.
8/23/08 12:54 pm
R, I don’t know alot about it, but I did sign up for trials and was told to check back later this year for updates.
I did as much research on Follica’s inner workings as I could, and have a few pieces of information for anyone interested.
Samir Mitragotri (Follica’s new scientific advisory board member) was awarded a 171,155 dollar grant by UCSB to study “Drug Delivery Into Microdermabraded Skin” in June of this year. The newsletter I found this in mentions him as a part of Follica, Inc. This seem to confirm the theory that Follica raises less money independently than most companies because alot of their research is carried out at major universities. It also hints at the process they may be using. Here is the link:
http://research.ucsb.edu/resources/documents/news/Jul_Aug_2008/NL_July_August_2008.pdf
Also, former CEO of Genentech Kirk Raab joined Follica’s executive team. This is interesting, not only because of his experience, but because Genentech manufactures erlotinib, the American version of the EGF inhibitor gefitinib. Many home Follica experimenters feel gefitinib is the drug most likely to be used by Follica, and having control of erlotinib sales would (in theory) give Follica the ability to use a similar drug without the need for extra regulatory approvals (hopefully). It’s patent doesn’t expire until 2020, so maybe there is some kind of deal worked out between Follica and Genentech. Who knows.
These are just little pieces of information combined with my own conjecture. I could be way off, but hopefully this is helpful to our cause.
8/23/08 4:53 pm
Too Scott Kellog and Samir Mitragotri have done several patents about drug delivery. see espacenet…
8/23/08 4:55 pm
Good find.
8/24/08 5:18 pm
R, what exactly would ASC-J9 do? Would it stop the loss of hair and regrow it? I’ve done some research on it and still don’t understand if it would b very effective. It almost seems like another rogaine type product to me
8/24/08 5:50 pm
NR it does sound like a new foam that compliments Rogaine and the like, however it is a new formula that may yield greater benefits and outcome. As technology and science moves closer to understanding and eventually curing hair loss, we will see outliers like ASC-J9 that may bring back follicles and or keep at bay hair loss.
Looking at forward statements by Follica, Histogen, Standford and Luna, any outlier company (to be successful) will need to create a product that will stand on it own. The current treatments don’t work consistently for everyone so any new product would most likely have greater research that trully addresses hairloss.
Outliers will be beaten down as well as current products due to real science and practioners working to understand and create a path to address the issue. The only current treatment that will built upon is HT’s and this will compliment Intercytex and other companies if they hold their weight in gold.
I am betting on Follica to end this disease and the others either dropping out and or creating another path will equal-end results. Remember that a breakthrough in hair loss translates to breakthroughs in other diseases. hair complicated but no so to cure based on todays knowledge and once we fix this area of dermatological diseases, others will follow and be addresses through wnt and siganling channels. Hopefully U of Bonn will find the right drug and switch the circuits back on. The good thing people is that the hair is there, just need more amps!!
8/25/08 11:49 am
That’s very interesting R. How long do u think it’ll be before this product could be released? I’m srill considering rogaine but if this is more effective then should i wait?
8/25/08 4:50 pm
NR….Rogaine will need to be done daily and topically and if you stop, massive shedding! I would recommend propecia starting at a half-tablet or even a quarter tablet and see how it works. Everyone responds to treatments differently and you will need to way your circumstance. BTW…What Norwood scale are you? The reason I ask is that if you are NW5 - NW7 early in life, most drugs, vitamins and HT’s won’t work very well due to the agressive hair loss. This why people see things as failures and in reality, they were never a candidate and or the actual drugs were not strong enough to stop the speed / agressive loss.
This is why I always say ask and listen people because we assume that one size fits all and this is never the case. Your response to drugs, vitamins and HT’s are personal and biological. If HT’s lasted only ten years then those doctors that are HT Doctors would never do it to themselves, that would be absured!
There are many people out there trying to stir up lies, false claims and want you to be bald and react to negative criticism. This why this forum can help you as people here have basically tried everything.
If your hair loss is not too severe, I recommend trying propecia but if its a fast loss and the pattern resembles a low horsehoe then you opt to wait. Many people don’t progress beyond their current state if they were experiencing a loss of ten years or more and you can pretty much see the pattern and extent of loss at that time. People who are severly bald will know within the first 5-8 years they started. My pattern has not changed even when off all the drugs and vitamins for 14 years.
I since started and got regrowth in the front and back….my hair is pretty consistent with my brothers who tries nothing but he has more hair due to not having the same agressive gene, but the pattern is the same. He started at 29…I started at 21. Just the front is different!
8/25/08 7:49 pm
Man i really cant wait 2 or more years for this. losing hair should be considered one of the most confidence depleting things in the world. Just started my Propecia and Minoxidil quest to help me keep what i have for a couple of years. HOPEFULLY something will come along by then. Dont really care what aslong as it works im happy. (Also SLIGHTLY off topic question here. R i went to the website you provided hairloss-research. I dont know about there methods. I mean would taking alot of suppliments really do much, and no im not having a go at you or anything just intrigued.)
P.s Everyone on this forum should try and get along because at the end of the day we are all in the exact same boat. No one is any different then the next person on this issue.
8/25/08 8:29 pm
A….You are correct and we need to be family here and share and support each other. Now back to the website. I never take that much and the majority of my supplements are for overall health (i.e. Curcumin, Reservatrol, Green tea extract and multi-vitamin) The two for hair loss is propecia and taurine. I have found out later that all of the supplements are good for hair especially taurine, curcumin and reservatrol. I read Italians are working on a patent with curcumin / reservatrol called Reservage. So try these or at minimum propecia and curcumin / Resrvatrol(which offsets propecia’s side effects).
A…..If you are losing hair fast then these drugs may slow some down but may not work. Please give the propecia and curcumin/resrvatrol 1 year to see if it works. Life extension Foundation sells Curcumin and Reservatrol in high safe potency.
Again….Everyone responds differently. There are older men from 55-on that have great results with propecia so it could work. I don’t believe in a drug losing it’s effectiveness, its your hair loss agression! So you may keep this at bay. I started losing my hair at 21 and started propecia in 2001 stopped in for three years and continued with regrwoth. 14 years and regrowth. That is why your pattern and genetics is the determined factor.
A side note: Follica will in my eyes come out with THEEEEEE Product. And my vision states it will be easier than previously thought to regain all your hair back. I just have a feeling that science has landed for balding people. Also, they have identified psoriases (spelled wrong) key inflammatory signal and anticipate curing this disease. this is an autoimmune diease (dermatology) and will support hair loss due to signaling factors as well as skin restoration by inhibiting signal channels. They all relate to some degree. You should hear naother announcement by Nov 2008 (follica).
8/25/08 8:49 pm
A… this is definitely the right “forum” (if you want to call it that) to be a part of. People here are knowledgable, supportive, and are more concerned with an effective treatment than badgering others for their views.
R… you always scare me with your optimism (I’m a “knock on wood” kinda guy) but I really, sincerely hope you are right on this one.
8/25/08 9:09 pm
For what it’s worth, I was on Propecia for 4 years. It worked well during that time and I didn’t have any side effects to speak of.
Over the past year, I felt it was indeed becoming less effective over the span of time. Studies made on Propecia’s long term effectiveness also confirmed my suspicions.
In light of this, I made the switch to Avodart two months ago.
I was pretty reluctant to do this as I had read volumes on the possible side effects.
Avodart was being blamed for everything from impotence to engine trouble. It is on the point of being ridiculous.
After I consulted with my doctor, I made the jump. (I’m 47 and was beginning to have some urinary issues so Avodart was the logical choice.)
To date, I have had no side effects. I haven’t been on it long enough to see the effects on my thinning, but it has certainly not gotten worse.
I am sure that side effects do occur in some individuals. I do not dispute that. However, I think that they have been vastly over exaggerated.
I’m hoping that Avodart will help delay my hair loss from progressing further, but I have to say that I made a very conscience decision to not let it affect my life. I got a nice short buzz cut this spring because I saw it as a way to re-affirm my decision.
It REALLY worked. Seriously, I was amazed on how little having hair matters.
I’ll probably let it grow this fall but in the meantime- literally, no worries!
I love reading this forum everyday and hearing all the progress being made. Capitalism is a wonderful thing!
I hope that Follica makes lots of money. I’ll be more than happy to help line their pockets with cash should their efforts be successful.
8/26/08 12:07 am
i am so tired of constantly worrying about my hair, constantly feeling like i’m ugly and not worth anything because everyone my age has all this perfect hair,,,
we have pills and surgery coming out the ass for fat people who can’t stop putting food in their mouths, but for me, working out and trying to stay in shape did nothing but accelerate the hairs jumping off my head.
i’ve spent a fortune on this crap and maybe got 5-10 hairs back.
just please please please give me back my life, i’m so sick of this. it’s sad, it’s pathetic, point, laugh, i really don’t care… i just want to ME to like ME again, so i can stop looking in the mirror and hating who i see.
8/26/08 12:15 am
R, where did you get this information about November 2008? Was that from a Follica official or just a guess?
8/26/08 5:55 am
My optimism is based on real science and a true effort to stop this disease. Never in history scientist trully cared enough and or tried to cure hairloss. This is why this day in age is exciting. I agree that you should shave your hair and if I could go back in time this would be my choice as well. The Internet did not exist for us so consider yourself lucky! As we age we see that being happy is number one and hair does help, but most decent women dont care about your hair.
My November forcast is a guess based on Follicas initial trial and report that will follow. Please dont expect a major announcement before Spring 09. Regardless, all you need to remember is many companies are working and forcasting around 2010-2015 = 1.5 - 6.5 years from now!
8/26/08 6:03 am
No offense man, BUT STOP FORECASTING timelines. It’s clear that people look up to you here. The last thing we want is for you to become xconomy’s version of hairsite’s “the game”. People have accused me of being a bleeding-heart optimist on hairsite, but even I know when to draw the line. This is a delicate matter for most; please don’t give people FALSE hope for the sake of getting attention.
8/26/08 6:15 am
Easy….My timelines are base don the actual forcast by the scientist and researchers as posted in the permalink and the November is just refferring to the 60 day pilot study by Follica. So the Nov 08 forcast is based on thing…Follicas 60 day trial which is ample time to deliver the news. I too am cautious by repeat forcasts based on what was relayed by the researchers. The 60 day pilot study is small and news should be brought out by researchers. I stated “should” hear something due to the short-time line of sthe stduy.
Follicas first announcement was May 2007, Jan 08, Aug 08…Maybe around nov-dec 08? I don’t know but I speculate due to the pattern and the one year to go through all the stages. Every milestone will most likely be communicated especially if it is good news. Sorry…not trying to scare anyone and I know your concerns!
Follicas, Intercytex????, Histogen etc.. have laid out timelines so those are repeats.
8/26/08 6:33 am
I’m merely saying is that people respect you here; don’t blow it. I like the positive tone we have on xconomy, but I don’t want to give people false hope. We don’t know Follica will divulge anything after their 60 trial, just how we didn’t know they would raise an additional 11million so quickly.
Everything’s speculative at the moment.
8/26/08 6:58 am
HAllo to our hopes…Zohar says “4/5 years by now…”
http://www.fiercebiotech.com/special-reports/emerging-drug-developer-follica
8/26/08 7:42 am
That article hints of accelerated trials, and topical formulations. Interesting indeed.
Still, we have no idea if proof-of-concept will pan out in our favor; if it does, than most would agree 4-5 years couldn’t come soon enough.
Great find haircoach; thank you !!
8/26/08 7:55 am
THE NEWS ON THE LAUNCHING OF FOLLICA IN 5 YEARS… REALLY? http://www.fiercebiotech.com/special-reports/emerging-drug-developer-follica
8/26/08 9:12 am
Hm. I wonder how to interpret this: positively or negatively? Do they mean they will probably solve the puzzle in 4-5 years or maybe that they basically know it works, so the only thing that remains is going through these trials that take 4-5 years?
8/26/08 10:05 am
I think it means another 5 years…. I swear if I hear that one more time….
8/26/08 12:07 pm
I found a website that i believe is selling the ASC-J9 compound you were talking about R. Any thoughts?
http://www.caymanchem.com/app/template/Product.vm/catalog/10009986/a/z
8/26/08 1:39 pm
The articles from fiercebiotech.com aren’t quoting anyone on the 4-5 years it seems to be the author who is making assumptions. Consider the fact that at the start of the year when MSNBC did their report, The doctor doing the report said they hoped to have it in market in 3-4 years if everything goes perfectly, And the latest news from follica said they had moved forward their second round of fundraising to speed it up further which would suggest to me that they are progressing very well and if they keep on this track they will have something ready within 2-3 years at most.
8/26/08 2:00 pm
I also agree that the fiercebiotech.com article is NOT quoting Zohar, and looks like yet another timeline guess. Someone should contact the author of that article and find out if they actually interviewed Zohar, and if she mentioned 4-5 years.
And since everyone is guessing, here is my timeline for a cure to hairloss: hope for 2 years, plan for 10 years.
8/26/08 5:10 pm
I don’t any further data on ASC-J9 compound. The company is hush at the moment and not discussion anything valuable to the public. Since Robert Buderi is an Xconomist, maybe he can shed light on the article stating 4-5 years. This would place Follica in a bind if Histogen and Luna beat them to the punch. I believe Follica will need to move much faster than that and we don’t know how much data they actually have and not sharing to the public. If lay-people are experiencing regrowth with sewing needles and toenail clippers by gauging themselves then these top scientist must be ahead with real results beyond the self-mutilation practioners. I believe Follica is more advanced than discussed with the advancement of money supporting damn good results.
8/26/08 7:09 pm
One thing I agree with R about is that they have HAD to test this on someone already. I mean, come on, you don’t raise money like this or persue the idea without at least one scientist calling in his bald friend as a test subject.
I’m telling you, they have had to have played around with this some because it’s not like they had to create a new drug or proceedure to do it.
They know.
8/26/08 7:28 pm
The scientific basis is one of knowledge that dates back to the 1950’s, substantiated by accident and self-mutilation victims and supported by new scientific paradigms that incorporate the latest cell biology with conusmer and finacial needs. This knowledge being advanced by Follica is one of great importance beyond hair loss and will translate to other organ diseases. Please understand that even though I highly doubt Intercytex, they are still a player and working to bring their technology to the foreground around the same time as Follica. This will be interesting and maybe not a without planning due to if Follica brings only limited fullness, Intercytex could fill in the rest. I look at these timelines expressed by the leading scientist as unique on how they bench each other.
I trully believe in Follica but if Intercytex can multiply 1000’s of hairs than this too will be remarkable as any coverage that will replace every area of the scalp is golden. The promising thing is that Follica and the others that are striving to end-this disease are creating products that work on scars (donor area) and the like so everyone should be able to wear their hair very short.
On another note regarding my November forcast. I believe that the current trend of information sharing is moving faster as the experiements and studies are on-going. This is a speculative forcast and could be sooner or later, but I feel that as we progress, the rate of knowledge (shared knowledge between investors etc..) will produce more insight and media coverage as we have seen these last three months. We are discovering different media outlets communicating and gaining interest in hair loss and will hold the leading firms in the spotlight making them share and divuldge information. This is happening as you have seen.
Remember…We have never had some much attention and effort being applied to hair loss in the history of mankind that is backed by top scientifc minds. Believe me that every breakthrough and new information will bring greater competitors to the market because I feel that restoring hair may be easier than thought due to the greater knowledge of hair science, G-receptors, strong anti-oxidents and signaling pathways that are acheieved and sustantiated by numerous scientist. Those that chose to sit this out and push back to avoid cures and real treatments are now obligated to contribute and solve this or lose all revenue and credentials. You will see many products start to disappear soon after the real products come to market. Believe me that today, mediocre companies and products are being re-evaluated and marked for death like revita and dr. proctor as real products displace inferior practioners and their half-ass products.
8/26/08 9:33 pm
lol @ Doctor proctor that guy is a joke. Look guys R is pretty much the man on this topic so i would agree with him at all times. If your like me and holding on for dear life for the next 2 + Years until THE definative option becomes available. Get yourself on Propecia get some herbal counters to propecia to avoid Sides. Get some Minoxidil happening hold on to what you got and just wait it out. Use proven methods until an ultimate method is available.
8/26/08 9:47 pm
A, we’re all holding on for dear life, but as knowledgeable as R is, I’m not sure he has much more information (as far as Follica is concerned) than anyone else. We don’t know AT ALL that Follica will be “the” definitive option or that it will be 2, 5, or 10 years until it’s available. THIS IS NOT A NEGATIVE POST, I’m just saying that not even R can give an accurate timeline when not even Follica themselves can. We still have no idea if these “proof of concept” studies worked. I’m TOTALLY frustrated, like we all are, but I can’t get my hopes up on 2 years because there is a good chance of being drastically let down. I’m more concerned with results than timelines to market. If it works and works well, we can all find a way to wait.
8/26/08 10:24 pm
I hear you Shooter. Believe me i do. And i didnt mean that he was the font of all knowledge, but at the same time he has researched this i think alot more then most of us have and may have even been in contact with follica more based on what he does know.
But in the end the most any of us can do is get a HT or Prop, and Fin and thats it. Nothing else REALLY WORKS it may help, but not solve much.
Am i the only person who actually finds R to be refreshing by giving timelines i find it gives me something to look forward to and at the same time i know i may be waiting till 2015 for a result it does not hurt to expect one by 2010 or 2011. Times are changing and things are getting fixed faster and faster.
8/26/08 10:36 pm
Timelines are dangerous… especially when they come from a bystander. The only person that could shed addition light on the matter would be an actual Follica rep, or Robert Buderi (the author of this article).
I’m not trying to be a pessimist; I feel positive about Follica, but I want to withhold judgment until we know, for certain, that they established proof of concept on actual living, breathing human beings.
8/27/08 6:49 am
People….frustration is setting in but please look at the attention that hair loss is getting and the latest scientific breakthroughs aligning hair loss with greater discoveries that are aimed to end this disease. Zohar stated that in the past there were never real science behind past hair loss products and now they (Follica)are shifting the pendulum toward a viable solution.
You are witnessing new knowledge that is supported by a greater understanding for biological processes. The 60 day trial is to see how much disruption is needed to create follicles. Remember that with the naked eye you will not be able to see new follicles forming but will see such activities with a high-powered microscope. They are looking for the least disruption for the biggest bang. Also, if you read Follica’s website, you will see that they are looking at different areas of dermatology and creating new labs to facilitate the growing business and industry. Follica is embracing for a mass explosion of opportunity and now positioning themselves to handle such opportunities.
I am waiting for Luna and Histogen to make greater announcements as well as U of Bonn which only stated they are working hard to cure baldness. Many more that we have never heard of are trying new solutions.
We are in a place of time where hair loss is considered a valuable entity not only for baldness but for other diseases as stated by Follica and most likley pursued by other researchers and companies. The human and was monetary potential is driving this endeavor.
8/27/08 12:30 pm
I’m not sure if anyone posted this link before:
http://www.histogeninc.com/products/hgen_001.htm
8/27/08 1:18 pm
Why the hell do we have to wait until 2015? If it has already been shown to stimulate growth and create new follicles, why the hell can’t we decide for ourselves if we will risk it?
Fucking FDA is such a waste of my damned taxpayer dollars.
On another note: if this companies product stimulates dormant follicles and it is simply injectable WNT signaling proteins and some growth factor, that gives me hope for Follica to do the same.
GOD I HOPE THIS WORKS!!! Just tell us alreadddddddddyyyyy.
Robert Buderi, any way you could find out an estimated timeline for the release of additional information? I know you have glorious hair and all, but if you could check for us baldies that would be great :)
8/27/08 1:44 pm
Yeah, I agree with you P, I don’t see why we can’t decide for ourselves what risks we’re willing to take. All I really want to know is if the process works well. If it does, I can wait for 5 years, but I really don’t want to wait 5 years just for it to become another inferior product or Intercytex ordeal.
8/27/08 1:55 pm
Follica joins l’Oreal?
http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2008/08/26/polaris-and-mits-langer-meet-loreal-dont-believe-it-theres-living-proof/
8/27/08 2:03 pm
I wouldn’t say “follica” joins “l’oreal” but people involved with both companies in some capacity certainly seem to know each other.
8/27/08 2:14 pm
Ugh! So much … potential… plz… hurry.
Peak oil better not crumble the global economy before I get my hair back.
8/27/08 3:54 pm
Can anyone find the link to the harvard study. If they’re no longer recruiting that’s a very good sign that it’s more than well underway.
8/27/08 4:00 pm
Phil. This used to be the link, but it’s dead now.
http://harvardskinstudies.org/alopecia001.asp
This is what it said.
Description - The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of microdermabrasion on hair growth. The study may last up to 2 months and subjects will receive $750 for completing all visits and procedures. It involves 2 skin biopsies. Eight study visits are required. To participate in this research study, the subject will have to stop all other anti-aging treatments except emollients approved by the study doctor.
III. SUBJECT SELECTION
Inclusion Criteria
1. Caucasian males 20-50 years of age
2. Has male pattern baldness.
Exclusion Criteria
1. Current or recent use (within the past year) of isotretinoin (Accutane).
2. Is currently taking hormone therapy, or steroids or other immunomodulators (examples are methotrexate, cyclosporine) or has taken these medications within the past thirty (30) days (inhaled steroids are acceptable).
3. Currently using Rogaine or Propecia or used them in the past forty-five (45) days
4. Is immune compromised or undergoing therapy to treat an immune disorder.
5. History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring.
Additional inclusion and exclusion criteria will be discussed with you during the screening visit.
At the screening visit, we will have you read the informed consent and meet with the research staff. You will be given the opportunity to ask questions and time to consider whether or not you would like to participate in the study. If you decide to participate in the study, the study-screening visit will be performed.
Clinical Unit for Research Trials in Skin
Massachusetts General Hospital
8/27/08 4:47 pm
thanks for this Rev.
Do you have any idea of the date when this was first posted?
8/27/08 5:09 pm
OK………….L’Oreal is part of the hair and beauty gig and have looked for ways to curtail hair loss. Like I said people…once a viable and intellegent path is discovered and supported by top scientist that pursuing a cure (any field) with solid science…others will join and at times merge resources. for xample see thie link.
http://www.hairloss-research.org/UpdateNestleandLoreal7-07.html
Now…Follica is expanding their lab to not only tackle hair loss but other dermatological diseases and conditions. This collaboration with L’Oreal is a strong link to viable solutions down the road. Like I said before…Show a need, money and viable scientific solution and they will follow.
The Internet is a double edged sword. You can promote and reach greater people but if you have inferior products….you and the reputation that governs your existence is futile. Please understand that you will hear and see greater dermatological and hair loss reports being generated as we continuously unlock the codes that affects half the people on this earth. Yes! half and what money can be generated? Billions with a continuous endless supply of future hair loss sufferers until the G-Receptor can be turned off at birth!.
My meaning this need will go on forever with treatments from Follica that will provide an incessent feed of money and patients as they age and the pattern changes. This why if Follica restores 100% of the hair, they will still have business because you will restore only what is missing and that changes over time and new people entering the balding stage will be at the back of the line. So Follicas breakthrough will provide millions - billions to everyone willing the jump on and provide this service.
8/27/08 5:30 pm
P, I’m sure Follica Won’t be available before 2010, because they have to go through trials. If they didn’t need the trials, they would have definitely said so because not only do they know about all the speculation that’s being going on about trials-vs-notrails, saying they don’t need trials will only generate more interest in Follica. I for the life of me can’t figure out, how answering this simple question could affect their business. The only thing staying quiet does is keep the follica buzz alive, because they’re still at least 2 years from time-to-market!
R, I’m sure your intentions are not bad. But I think we all know that the science is progressing rapidly and there will be a cure in the future. What most of us want to know is when any of those scientists are planning on bringing it to the market, and that is anywhere between 3-7 years. So please stop posting the same stuff about Luna, G-receptor, Histogen over and over again - all of them are AT LEAST 5 years from market. All of them will require extensive trials, and they haven’t even started their trials yet! The only people you’ll find on these forums are the desparate ones like me, ones who need a cure asap (1-2 years), NOT in 5 years! So why are we even wasting our time talking about those anyway?
8/27/08 5:41 pm
That’s it… I’m not checking this damned website for 6 months. If something big happens somebody email me.
Until then chaps!
8/27/08 6:37 pm
M…your talking backwards nothing comes out yesterday and all you need to understand and learn that no scientist will deliver any news that will compromise their studies.The other organizations are listed as new targets and front runners. So please, people if you are looking for answers tomorrow, then you might as well give up! It wont happen that fast!
No one scientist gives a damn for a bunch forum members demanding they publish their findings at will. It takes intelligence and dilligence to work through this area and all areas of science.
I am only here to help and guide and if you guys want me to stop repeating myself then stop trying to get an answer in your expected time frame. It takes time and real science. You want something in 5-days go take Revita and the other half-ass products like Dr. Proctor. You will be lucky and fortunate to have it in 5 years so wait as no-reputable scientist will answer your cries for the sake of their research and product.
I have listed alternatives herbal and FDA so research and hold on to what you have. If your hairloss is fast………No product other than Follicas etc… will work. The herbal and FDA products are there and so are the links that we provided to help each and everyone of you in order to guide you and support you.
Hairsite welcomes tyrants and those that see things irrationally. I welcome feedback but make sure you understand my attempts to help and if I have over stepped my grounds, I apologize in advance M. I care about you and everyone else suffering from this disease.
8/27/08 7:21 pm
R, I’m not asking about their results. All I said was that they need to at least tell people if they have to go through phase I, II & III trials or not. EVERY drug company does that, I even contacted androscience & Intercytex personally a while ago and even though they haven’t mentioned it on their websites they’ve responded to my emails and said that they have to go through phase-III before their products can be marketed. That gives a good idea of expected timet-to-market. And how is that equivalent of me asking for any propriety information, research etc???
I’m certainly not suggesting anyone use those make-shift drugs. The sole point of my post to you was to bring this section back to normal. No offense, but read your own posts and it’s just the same info over and over again. All I’m saying is that people stick to the truth, which is that we know when Luna, Histogen etc are expected to market their drugs (in 5 years) and it’s almost pointless to even discuss them further. The only confusion is with FOllica and they are being overly secretive even about basic info regarding the trials. Frankly, that is the only reason why I visit these forums to expect some new info. If Follica were to say, they don’t have to go through FDA trials, I’ll just stop visiting these forums and come back in jan next year to see how they are doing. Otherwise, we’re in big dump considering the nearest available cure is at least 5 years away. The reason I’m so concerned about this is because I’m NW7 and in my 20s, and there really isn’t an alternative for me out there.
Your posts make it sound like a cure is around the corner, which sadly isn’t true! The only possible cures at this point are Follica (which everyone-everywhere is bickering about, and we don’t have basic answers about) and what Dr.Mercola/Phil are getting (which we have no idea about). So to you hairloss cure in 5 years might be an easy thing. For an unmarried-NW7-guy in his twenties, it’s a BIG thing! That’s why I want some honest answers about timelines, it’s not that Follica needs to worry about funding, as per Zohar they already have enough funding to cover all their expenses. now only if they were a little more concerned about answering their future customer’s simple question, it really wouldn’t hurt them or their venture!
8/28/08 6:26 am
M “Your posts make it sound like a cure is around the corner, which sadly isn’t true!” No not true words and I have repeated that with todays due dilligence by scientist the effort to cure hair loss in a whole scientific model that is bringing in top researchers and brains to the forefront.
I repeat the other companies because again they are in the now! Secondly, Histogen is benchmarking Follica so they stated themselves 2015 which 6.5 years from now and they are behind Follica. So Follica stating their timeline is their time line. The others I have posted are in game and because they are using new technology and nano-tech particles, then yes, expect products further down the line. My point is though, if these lagging companies want to succeed in hair loss they need to move sooner. Because once a viable product is out and works consistently. They are out!
Again, we all feel your concerns and need to see things clearly. If we want to just wait for Follica, then we don’t post again for at least several months. No one company will give you anything you wanyt especially their research. They need to keeo things under wraps. That is why most companies forecast many years to stop people from calling them. Follica made this mistake and had to back track. They did not expect this much inquiries by people, I guess!
8/28/08 7:16 am
I really hope you’re right R… I really do. Hairloss has turned most of us into a cranky bunch of SOBs.
Having said that, I can’t get excited about anything until - you guessed it - I see proof of concept from Follica.
8/28/08 10:42 am
How damn difficult can it be to grow hair.
Worst thing with this shit is that you cant do anything about it. If I was fat and unhappy I would just go out and run and excercise, if I was too hairy and unhappy I would just get laser treatment. If I had a big noose and was unhappy I would get a noose job, there are cures for every damn thing except hairloss and this just sucks and this is what makes it so damn hard to deal with. If I knew for sure that there would be a cure out in say 3-5 years that would be another issue but you can never be sure with these companies. ICX failed miserably when there was so much hope going for them. I really hope Follica is different because I am tired of this shit going through my mind. I never knew I could be this weak, I used to think I was strong but this really brought out the worst in me.
What really sucks with all this is that there are some other good products that are just laying around in some lame companies portfolio and is not being pushed for market. This just sucks big time. Im talkin about ps1, ru and some other stuff.
There could be a cure out, there sould be a cure out. We are living in a capitalist world, people are superficial and people demand cures for lame-ass diseases like hairloss.
Please find a cure and please do it soon.
8/28/08 12:16 pm
What he said. LOL
8/28/08 11:01 pm
is kit like a propecia? fixing some damn hormones…?
god…. then why do we even call this a cure?
8/29/08 11:51 am
K what are you talking about? No Follica is not like propecia, not even damn close.
Follica approach goes through wounding the skin and sending it into another state where new cells are formed and the hope is to press the system to form certain cells (hair cells) instead of simply producing new skin cells as is the custom after wounding.
8/29/08 5:04 pm
Ok guys, back again, contributing absolutely nothing except a little bit of a rant again lol.
I, like many of you guys here, have turned into a little bit of a lurker in regards to this website recently. I hate to admit it but a little too much of my time has been spent scouring and researching everything from the inner workings of MPB to the 440 brutally honest comments expressing peoples sheer desperation for a cure. It’s amazing how easily it can kinda become the main focus of your life, and before you know it, every waking hour revolves around logging on and researching baldness some more. Psychologically it’s been quite an intense ride and has made me ask alot of personal questions regarding my identity, my self esteem and my ability to adapt to the challenges life throws at me. Quite amazing really how this natural process can cause such an array of emotions.
One of the most heartening things I have seen though, is the degree of support I have witnessed from people such as yourselves in these various forums. It has again re-enforced my belief that MPB does provide you with a degree of humility and empathy towards others, as we have seem first hand how something as trivial as hair can dramatically change the way people view you. I’ve always regarded baldness as one of the hardest things I’ve had to go through, and have on many occasions been willing to trade everything I owned in order to have never gone through it. If this finally is the answer, i’m starting to think i am very glad to have gone through this whole experience. It has changed me in ways you can’t imagine, and when this whole struggle is over i’ll be such a better person for it. I’d go as far to say I don’t think i could ever possibly have a self esteem issue ever again, if my baldness was to be resolved; After years of cover-ups, dermatologists, near enough obsessive behavior, watching balding patterns and having MPB thrown back in my face time and time again; The prospect of living in a world where i’d never have to worry about this again is actually bringing me to tears just thinking about. I know to many people that may sound incredibly silly, but I think many of us understand the sheer mental exhaustion worrying about this can cause. Just imagine guys, when all of this is over, instead of refreshing this website a couple of times a day, you could actually use your time for something productive. Imagine scouring the Internet researching films, books or music rather than biological processes and androgens. Imagine not spotting signs of balding on near enough everyone you see, imagine not having to cringe when the topic of hair is brought up. If it really is 2-3 years, then wow, I look forward to so many humble, kind hearted people, having their self esteem completely restored.
Rant over lol.
8/29/08 6:10 pm
The last “K” wasn’t the original K, that was me.
Anyway, URGH! That my friend was one of the best damn posts I have ever read. One of the things I don’t want to EVER regret is how I acted during this time in my life. The process has just started with me, therefore it’s certainly fresh on my mind. In time I hope in time I get over it, because on my death bed I don’t want to look back with a heart filled with regret over opportunities missed and me acting like a douchebag because I was crying over my hair.
There is so much more important things, but even I find it *SO* hard to get over this process. I’m just like you, I lurk on all the forums out there, HLH, Hairsite, HLT just trying to find answers or something I may have missed. This is the ONLY forum that I actually post on. One of the things I see are people totally cross the line of what is considered a normal reaction for hair loss. I me