California pharma studies use of eyelash lengthener for baldness

Irvine, CA, United States (AHN) – California-based pharmaceutical firm Allergan is on the second clinical stage of testing an eyelash lengthener as possible therapy for baldness.

Allergan Chief Executive Office David Pyott said the company expects to see data by the middle of 2012.

The medication, Latisse, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration in 2008 to help eyelash growth. It earned for Allergan, which is also the manufacturer of wrinkle-remover Botox, $82 million in 2010.

Latisse is a version of the drug firm’s glaucoma drug, Lumigan. Allergan discovered its potential when patients taking Lumigan reported growing beautiful eyelashes.

Botox, however, remains Allergen’s best-selling product with $1.42 billion sales last year. Last month Allergan got FDA approval for Botox to be used as therapy for urinary incontinence and in October as treatment for chronic migraine headaches.

Analysts forecast FDA approval of Latisse for baldness could bring Allergan additional revenue ranging from $200 million to $500 million in yearly sales by 2020.

To gain regulator approval, Allergan needs to complete three stages of clinical trials.

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