Home / 2008 / October

• Propecia Gets OK From The WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency)

  In Hair Loss, News / By Spencer Kobren / 28 October 2008

  

  Zach Lund Received a One Year Ban in 2006

  Pro athletes can rejoice in knowing that they no longer have to choose between their careers and maintaining their potential multimillion dollar image.

  News that Propecia will be taken off the World Anti-Doping Agency’s “banned” list has been received with cheers from the world’s follically-challenged athletes, but is it too little too late for those who have already suffered career shattering blows from the anti-doping agency?

  Some athletes say that it is.

  New Zealand tennis pro Mark Nelson’s career has all but grinded to a halt after being banned for two years just because he wanted to save his hair. His world ranking has dropped dramatically, making it very difficult to recoup from his forced hiatus from the sport.

  Other professional athletes who have tested positive for Propecia in recent years include NHL goalie Jose Theodore, Brazilian soccer legend Romário, Italian golfer Alessandro Pissilli, Zach Lund the U.S. skeleton racer, and German wheelchair basketball player Ahmet Coskun  who was banned  from the Paralympics after testing positive for the drug. Read more ›

   

• FDA Warns HairMax LaserComb Makers About Illegal Sales of Non-FDA Cleared Devices

  In Hair Loss, Hair Loss Treatments, News / By Spencer Kobren / 15 October 2008

  Los Angeles – U.S. Regulators have warned Lexington International, the makers of the highly touted and controversial HairMax LaserComb, to shape up or ship out.

  In an FDA warning letter issued to David Michaels, Managing Director of Lexington International, LLC on May 22, 2008, FDA inspectors cite that the HairMax LaserComb® Premium and SE models, that are currently being sold to the public, differ from the cleared HairMax LaserComb in dose rate, method of delivery, and/or treatment parameters. According to the FDA these changes could significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of these devices and therefore, pursuant to 21, CFR 807.81 (a)(3)(i), new 510(k) submissions are required in order to legally market these devices.

  Interestingly enough HairMax LaserComb makers warn consumers about purchasing fraudulent, or less than effective laser devices on their own marketing website. Read more ›

   

• Where Are The HairMax Lasercomb Studies?

  In Hair Loss, Hair Loss Treatments, Q & A / By Spencer Kobren / 14 October 2008

  Dear Spencer,

  Months ago when you interviewed David Michaels, one of the inventors of the HairMax Lasercomb, he said that he was going to give you a copy of the study that Lexington presented to the FDA in order for the Lasercomb to gain market clearance, did you ever see the study, and if so what were your thoughts or any experts thoughts on it? – Chris

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  Dear Chris,

  I never did receive that study. The truth is I still haven’t seen any substantial evidence that the HairMax Lasercomb can effectively treat hair loss to any appreciable degree. I’m still waiting.

  Regards,

  Spencer Kobren

  Host of The Bald Truth Radio Show
  Founder, American Hair Loss Association
  Founder and Director of Consumer/Patient Affairs, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS.ORG)