Shen Min Activator Hair Regrowth Serum With Minoxidil Out In June
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Biotech Corp. is launching Shen Min Activator hair regrowth serum with minoxidil nationwide this summer in food, drug and mass outlets. The product, a combination of 1.7% minoxidil and several other "hair nutrients," including the Chinese herb He Shou Wu, has been selling at GNC stores since September.
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Biotech Corp. is launching Shen Min Activator hair regrowth serum with minoxidil nationwide this summer in food, drug and mass outlets. The product, a combination of 1.7% minoxidil and several other "hair nutrients," including the Chinese herb He Shou Wu, has been selling at GNC stores since September. The product also contains retinyl palmitate, biotin, saw palmetto and tocopherol acetate. Shen Min Activator is "the most advanced hair care formula available today," Glastonbury, Conn.-based Biotech claims. A 3 oz. container of serum will retail for a suggested $29.99. According to the firm, Shen Min Activator provides 50% more volume than Pharmacia & Upjohn's Rogaine products, making it "the most cost-effective...way to fight against hair loss." The product "can be used by both men and women without the risk of experiencing the potentially serious side effects of drugs like Propecia," Merck's prescription oral anti-baldness treatment, Biotech added. Print ads for Shen Min Activator will begin appearing in GQ, Esquire, Men's Fitness and USA Today in June. Ten- and 15-second TV spots are slated to air in September during "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune." FDA's Hair Grower and Hair Loss Prevention Products Final Monograph prohibits OTC remedies from making anti-baldness claims without NDA or ANDA approval. However, the monograph does not apply to cosmetics or toiletries that make general hair health claims, such as "thickens hair." Although Shen Min Activator contains minoxidil - an NDAed drug ingredient - the product is being positioned as a natural alternative to hair regrowth drugs. Biotech believes the product's lower 1.7% minoxidil concentration, compared to the 2% and 5% strengths approved by FDA, places the formulation outside the regulatory framework for drugs. Labeling claims include: "A revolutionary healthy hair system for men & women"; "Restore hair's original thickness, color & texture"; and "Stimulate follicular embryotic activity." No ingredients are designated as active and the packaging carries the FDA-mandated dietary supplement disclaimer. Biotech has marketed its line of Shen Min hair growth products in health food stores since 1994; none of the other products in the line contain minoxidil. |