Hair Transplant Forum
Kevis P.F.—an adjunctive hair maintenance option
by Joseph Greco, PhD, PAC
Venice, Florida

While attending the first international meeting of the Italian Hair Restoration Society in Rome last year, I was introduced to an Italian hair product called Kevis. After discussions with European dermatologists, I was surprised to learn that it had been on the European market for eight years and exceeded $300 million dollars in sales there in 1994. It is produced by Farmaka S.r.L. of Grandate, Italy, and is marketed as a product that "retards hair loss". Farmaka has a European and a U.S. patent for a DHT-blocker that is included in the Kevis P.R. formula.

According to clinical studies, Kevis lotion is composed of mucopolysaccharides and glycoproteins, associated with substances that favor their bioavailability. Kevis P.F. contains HUCP (hyaluronic acid), glycoproteins and amino acids that have hydrating and anti-inflammatory action; thioglycoran—natural mucopolysaccharide acides; thurfyl nicotinate—a cutaneous vasodilator; sodium pantothenate; and biotin.

There are numerous European studies evaluating the product. One study by Privat in France reported that "Kevis location can be considered to have an anti-falling-out [effect], and in certain cases, regrowth in the course of its use with subjects showing androgenetic alopecia."

It appears Kevis has good tolerability, and the side-effect profile is very low with some minor complaints of mild erythema and puritis. In fact, one study that included 50 post-partum females concludes that "Kevis positively influences the post-partum telogen effluvium trend." And in Europe, more than 60 percent of Kevis sales are to women.

My understanding is that Kevis P.F. (Physician's Formula) is now available in the United States without a prescription from dispensing physicians only. We became interested in this product as an adjunctive treatment option in our clinics. Although most of our patients want hair restoration surgery, all of our patients want to maintain the hair they have. I also found this product to be a treatment option for those individuals who were not ready for surgery. And it is a way to remain in contact with the patient and simultaneously provide them with another viable hair maintenance program.

In addition, the Kevis shampoo reportedly acts synergistically by forming a polymer sheath on the hair's structure, resulting in a smoother thicker hair shaft. We include a complimentary bottle with each hair transplant for our patients.

Finally, this product is obviously not a substitute for natural hair replacement surgery, but it has been an adjunctive hair maintenance option that our patients appreciate.
 

References

Privat, Y. A Double-blind, placebo-controlled study with Kevis lotion. Trends in Human Hair Growth and Alopecia Research, edited by D. Van Neste, J.M. Lachapelle and J.L. Antoine, 1989, pp. 231-245, Kluweiz Academic Publishers.

Dallera, F., et. al. Double-blind study versus placebo in the treatment of post-partum telogen effluvium. La Medicina Estetica, Year 12, No. 3, 1988, pp. 127-129.
 

[Reprinted from the March-April 1996 issue of Hair Transplant Forum International]