The Prostamide-Related Glaucoma Therapy, Bimatoprost, Offers a Novel Approach for Treating Scalp Alopecias

October 2012 in “ The FASEB Journal ”

Karzan Ghafur Khidhir, David F. Woodward, Nilofer Farjo, Bessam Farjo, Elaine S.‐H. Tang, Jenny W. Wang, Steven M. Picksley, Valerie A. Randall

bimatoprost prostamide F2α analog scalp alopecias hair growth anagen phase prostamide receptor antagonist prostanoid receptor genes hair follicles Latisse

Studysummary This study found that bimatoprost stimulated hair growth in both human scalp follicle cultures and mouse pelage in vivo, suggesting it might offer a promising treatment for scalp alopecias.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The 2012 study investigated bimatoprost, a prostamide F2α analog used in glaucoma therapy, for its potential to treat scalp alopecias. It was found to stimulate hair growth in human scalp follicles in culture and in mice in vivo. Bimatoprost increased hair synthesis, prolonged the anagen phase, and advanced hair regrowth, with effects being receptor-mediated as confirmed by the blocking action of a prostamide receptor antagonist. Human scalp follicles were shown to express prostanoid receptor genes, indicating a potential for response to bimatoprost treatment. The study involved human scalp samples from 15 men and 2 women, molecular biological investigations of samples from 7 men and 1 woman, and immunohistochemical investigations involving 3 men and 2 women. Additionally, at least 6 hair follicles from each individual were used for each condition in the culture experiments, and the mouse study showed a significant reduction in the time to enter the anagen phase with bimatoprost treatment. The study concluded that bimatoprost could be a novel, low-risk therapeutic approach for treating scalp alopecias.

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