Biodisposition of Latisse

A new paper has been published in Journal of Experimental Dermatology on the way bimatoprost, the active ingredient of Latisse, acts when it is absorbed into the skin.

The study was conducted on mice and a variety of doses of bimatoprost (Latisse) was applied to the skin and measurements of the levels of bimatoprost were taken.

The study demonstrated that, after shaving, the time for hair to start regrowing was 14 days as opposed to 28 days in untreated subjects. The time for complete hair regrowth was also reduced to 42 days in the Latisse group, compared to 70 days for the control mice.

The paper supports the use of Latisse only once per day as the level in the tissue did not drop substantially until 24 hours after application.

It also suggests that a solution at double the concentration as Latisse would not provide better results as the levels in the tissue were similar after 24 hours.

Blood samples taken confirm that the amount of Latisse that reaches the blood stream is minimal and of little concern.

The negative aspects of the study is that it was conducted on a relatively small sample size of mice. All of the researchers are sponsored financially by Allergan, the manufacturer of Latisse, so there may be pressure or bias involved in the presentation and release of study results.

This paper provides further insight into Allergans plan to develop bimatoprost as a treatment for scalp hair regrowth. In my opinion, I do not believe that bimatoprost is a “miracle cure” for hair loss. It can in theory be used with minoxidil, ketoconazole and finasteride if appropriate, and may provide an additional tool to help reduce hair loss.

Written by Dr Tom Walker