New drug = longer lashes

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A drug developed to treat glaucoma has now been licensed for cosmetic use, after it was discovered that it gave users bambi-like eyelashes.

Created by Allergan, the drug company that is also behind Botox, Latisse could hit UK shops next year, as a lash-lengthening treatment that could be worth millions for the firm.

Originally used as a glaucoma medicine, the ingredient was found to have an eyelash-enhancing side effect in users, lengthening lashes, as well as making them thicker and darker in a matter of days.

Allergan is now fiercely protecting its wonder product and has already taken legal action against seven cosmetic companies that attempted to create products that included Latisse's active ingredient, prostaglandins.

Speaking to the Independent, Valerie Randall, professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Bradford, said: 'I imagine there will be a massive market for it. What the company is doing now is amplifying the side effects of a medical treatment. When we understand better how it works, it could be used in the treatment of alopecia and other hair growth problems.'

Monday 27 October 2008

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