Bimatoprost

Bimatoprost (marketed in the U.S., Canada and Europe by Allergan, under the trade name Lumigan) is a prostaglandin analog/prodrug used topically (as eye drops) to control the progression of glaucoma and in the management of ocular hypertension. It reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing the outflow of aqueous fluid from the eyes. In December 2008, the indication to lengthen eyelashes was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the cosmetic formulation of bimatoprost is sold as Latisse /ləˈtiːs/.

Cosmetic use

In patients using ophthalmic prostaglandins such as travoprost and latanoprost, it has been noted that there had been an increase in diameter, density and length of eyelashes. A study at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, published in May 2010, found that Bimatoprost in a gel suspension, when applied at the base of the upper eyelid eyelashes, significantly increased eyelash length. Allergan initiated clinical trials investigating the usage of Lumigan as a cosmetic drug. On December 5, 2008, the FDA Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee voted to approve bimatoprost for the cosmetic use of darkening and lengthening eyelashes. The medical term for this is treatment of hypotrichosis, however, the FDA approval is for purely cosmetic purposes.