December 23 , 2000 - Pharmacia, makers of Rogaine Extra Strength for Men™, has had their Rogaine patent extension request denied by the FDA. As reported by this site Pharmacia temporarily put the brakes on the release of an OTC generic 5% Rogaine™ by filing a last minute application to the FDA to have their patent extended. Pharmacia's petition was based on them testing Rogaine for use in children.

Pharmacia's patent was to expire on November 14th, 2000 and several companies were given conditional approval by the FDA to begin selling a generic 5% Rogaine™ equivalent. Alpharma, Copley Pharmaceutical and L. Perrigo Company were preparing for the release of their products when they were given word by the FDA that they would have to wait until it has reviewed Pharmacia's application.

Manufacturers have wasted no time in getting their product onto store shelves and Costco, a large wholesaler, has already started selling their generic store branded 5% Rogaine. The cost for a 4 months supply (4 x 60ml bottles) is $19.99, bringing the cost down to as little as $5.00 per month. This is excellent news for hair loss sufferers and there is no better time to start using 5% Minoxidil which is still one of the most effective topical hair growth stimulants on the market today.