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The partnership began with the turn of the millennium, meeting the needs of both parties. For PROPECIA® (finasteride, MSD) this was gaining brand recognition for a new product on the market. For Rally NZ it was to find a compatible naming rights sponsor after losing its incumbent tobacco company sponsor following changes in legislation. The challenge was that there was limited available sponsorship dollars within the marketplace, and those with the funds had already aligned themselves with other high level sponsorships. There was a real threat NZ would lose the chance to host the event without the funds needed to get the show on the road. The two parties joined forces late in 1999 and from that early, tentative start the event has grown to be one of the most anticipated events in the NZ sporting calendar.
Over the past six years the sponsorship funds from PROPECIA have allowed for improvements to the practical (including safety), organisational and visual aspects of the event. And it has been recognised for its success by winning awards for excellence. In 2001 the event was awarded the title of “Rally of the Year”, an honour bestowed following a vote from its participants, beating out other hot destinations much to the delight of the NZ organisers and associated sponsors. In 2002 the PROPECIA Rally was awarded the New Zealand Sports Sponsorship Supreme Award 2002 and won the category of Best International Sponsorship at the SPARC sponsorship awards.
As well as the enormous attention from the worldwide audiences (boasting a television audience of 50 million for the duration of the event), the event attracts tourists to Auckland bringing economic advantages to local areas as well as the central city. And Kiwis like to get involved in their sport, with hundreds of volunteers having a hands-on role from marshalling to catering.
MSDNZ managing director Alister Brown says the Rally continues to be an exceptionally well run and successful event. “We admire the huge amount of organisation and commitment it takes to put this event together and commend Rally NZ and its team of volunteers. We know we won’t be disappointed this year and look forward to another spectacular rally in 2005.”
What is PROPECIA®?
• PROPECIA is the only prescription medicine for male pattern hair loss.
• It is administered orally in a once-a-day tablet.
• PROPECIA was launched in NZ in early 1999.
• Around the world over 2.5 million men have taken PROPECIA.
Male Pattern Hair loss (MPHL) affects half of all men over the age of 50 years. The condition is generally influenced by genes, and is the most common type of hair loss in men. A man can inherit this trait from his mother or his father. If he is genetically programmed to lose his hair and the problem is not addressed, his hair loss will progress.1
Research has shown that men with MPHL have higher levels of a chemical called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in their scalp than other men. This increased DHT in the scalp causes the hair follicles to shrink and reduces the number of visible hairs. PROPECIA works by blocking the action of the enzyme responsible for manufacturing DHT in the body. The best time to treat the condition is while the man still has most of his original hair, ie before the condition sets in and re-growth potential is limited. The condition can strike men at any age once puberty has past. This can be in men as young as 18 years.
Clinical trials show that once a man with MPHL starts taking PROPECIA he can expect to see the progression of hair loss begin to slow, sometimes within three months of starting treatment. Within 6-12 months most men will notice further slowing of hairloss and in many cases increased hair growth.
Merck Sharp and Dohme NZ is an international pharmaceutical company that researches, develops, markets and distributes a wide range of prescription medicines for conditions as diverse as osteoporosis, asthma and heart disease.2
More information about PROPECIA is available at www.propecia.co.nz or by calling Merck Sharp & Dohme on 0800 500 673.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE USING PROPECIA (finasteride) 1mg tablet:
PROPECIA is indicated for the treatment of men with male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss. PROPECIA should not be taken by women and patients who have a hypersensitivity reaction. Precaution should be taken in regard to pregnant women handling PROPECIA tablets. A decrease of serum prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) may be seen upon testing. Common side effects are: decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, decreased volume of ejaculate (each of these adverse effects occurred in less than two men in one hundred), testicular pain, breast tenderness/enlargement and hypersensitivity. PROPECIA is a private purchase prescription only medicine that the patient will need to pay for. Price may vary across different pharmacies. Consult your doctor to see if PROPECIA is right for you, a normal doctors visit fee will usually apply. Use only as directed and if symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health professional.
Marketed by: Merck Sharp & Dohme (NZ) Limited, Newmarket, Auckland
For detailed prescribing information, consult the data sheet or consumer medicine information on 0800 500 673 or refer to the Medsafe website www.medsafe.govt.nz . [MPI-PPC-2]
04-06-PPC-05-NZ-4564-PR NA-9412
® PROPECIA is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA.
References
1. Stough et al Finasteride improves male pattern hair loss in a randomized study in identical twins. European Journal of Dermatology 2002; 12: 32-7
2. Kaufman et al Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Journal of American Academy of Dermatology 1998; 39:578-589.
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