In India, a 13-year-old boy named Lalit Patidar, who suffers from a rare genetic condition known as “werewolf” syndrome, has attracted attention. Concerned parents who noticed unusual hair growth, particularly on their children’s faces, sought medical advice. Local authorities quickly highlighted the occurrence of strange diseases affecting multiple families.

Spain’s pharmaceutical and health agency recently recalled a potentially contaminated batch of minoxidil from the market. This action was taken in response to reports of 13 cases of “werewolf disease,” with an additional three cases discovered earlier this month. The authorities suspect that drugs contaminated with minoxidil may have affected approximately 30 pharmacies and over 50 batches of drugs.

Farma-Química Sur, a pharmaceutical company that purchased the contaminated drug omeprazole from India and distributed it in the Spanish market, is held responsible for the situation. As a consequence, the company’s license has been suspended, prohibiting it from producing, importing, or distributing drugs.

Hypertrichosis, also known as Ambras syndrome or “werewolf disease,” is a rare genetic condition that causes abnormal growth of beard, body, and facial hair. The probability of having this syndrome is extremely low, affecting only 1 in every 1,000,000 people. While individuals with this condition do not experience physical pain, they often face social discrimination due to their unusual appearance.

Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for this disease. Regularly shaving or waxing is the only way for patients to manage their appearance and integrate more seamlessly within the community.