The eyes are one of the biggest markers for facial attractiveness and overall beauty.^1,2 The quest for longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes propelled both the pharmaceutical and beauty industries into action. The United States share of the market, which is currently the largest, is expected to reach $234.59 million by 2023.¹ Growing eyelashes is big business.

From IOP to lashes

Bimatoprost (Lumigan 0.03%, Allergan) was first approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension in 2001 as an intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering agent.³ As was noted in the clinical trials, glaucoma/ocular hypertension patients using this topical eyedrop could experience the side effect of darker and thicker eyelash growth.

Bimatoprost (and other prostaglandin analogs) target the anagen phase of the eyelash growth cycle, resulting in longer, thicker eyelashes with more melanin deposition. Prostaglandin analogs may also increase the number of eyelashes in the lash follicle itself.

In 2008, bimatoprost was re-launched as Latisse (Allegan), an FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of hypotrichiasis.3 It is commonly used to treat trichotillomania, chemotherapy-induced eyelash loss, and alopecia areata lash loss. Nightly application of Latisse, applied in a thin line along the eyelash margins, showed maximal effectivity of lash enhancement at 16 weeks of usage.³

In its first year on the market, Latisse was able to pull in $47.7 million, making it one of the most successful pharmaceutical launches to date.

References:

https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/know-the-ocular-effects-of-eyelash-growth-serums