Early clinical trials of a synthetic peptide are showing promise in re growing hair in alopecia patients, a condition that affects 50 million men and 30 million women in America. WSMR's investigators have designed a synthetic peptide that activates an obscure receptor that sits on the surface of a patient's own hair follicle cells. This peptide was then used to activate the patient's hair follicles into growth phase. The study demonstrates that it is possible to get the human hair follicle to recognize a synthetic peptide and the message from that peptide. The synthetic peptide sequence is called Flexible Peptide S (FLEX S) and is named due to its flexible binding characteristics on the hair follicle cells. There are currently two separate sequences of FLEX S, both of which switch the hair follicle into growth phase. "It now appears that we can restore all of the follicles on the scalp to a healthy condition, the implications are profound" said Slobodan Jankovic, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Centre for Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, Dean of Medical Faculty, University of Kragujevac Yugoslavia and Scientific advisor to WSMR. Jankovic went on to say "This indicates that even in slick balding areas of the scalp the follicles are just miniaturized and can be switched back on with the right synthetic peptide messenger." All of the patients received a topical mixture containing the designer peptide (FLEX S) and a special liposome like adjuvant to enhance its uptake by the hair follicle. "Safety isn't a problem, because the peptide is too large to get from the scalp into systemic circulation. It is almost like nature intended this peptide to induce hair re-growth and not get to the rest of the body." Said S.L (Bob) Hsia, Ph.D. Professor of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, liposome and skin biology expert from the University of Miami School of Medicine. Dr. Hsia who also is a scientific advisor to WSMR, went on to say "The special design of the topical vehicle to take the FLEX S peptide to the hair follicle is key to the effectiveness." "This synthetic peptide is amazing, it acts just like a "hair switch" turning on the follicles and making them begin growing hair again." Commented John Emerson, M.D. a practicing plastic surgeon and member of the SAB of WSMR. But Darren Green, Press consultant for WSMR Cautioned, "Yes, it does appear that we have found a safe and completely effective treatment for hair loss, but constructing complex synthetic peptides like FLEX S 1 & 2 is currently very expensive. The product could not become commercially available until the cost can be reduced from the current level of almost $500 per month." For more information about FLEX S and other synthetic peptides that induce hair growth visit WSMR's Website for patients, public and the mass media at http://www.hairswitch.com