Eyelash Thickening Drug Latisse May Be Approved

An FDA advisory panel has given the thumbs up to a new drug, Latisse, that helps people grow fuller, darker eyelashes. Latisse was created after its maker, Allergan, Inc, discovered that eyelash growth was a side effect of its glaucoma drug, Lumigan. They decided to do a study on the drug's effect on eyelashes.

In that study, 137 people used Latisse and 141 people used a placebo solution for 16 weeks. The result: Thicker, longer, darker eyelashes were more common by the end of the study in the Latisse group. And people in the Latisse group reported more satisfaction with their lashes than people who used the placebo.

Unlike Lumigan, Latisse is not placed directly in the eye and may therefore not have the same side effects. Side effects of Lumigan include possible eye redness, darkening of the eyelid skin, and darkening of the iris.

If the FDA takes the panel's recommendation and approves the drug, it could be available by prescription in 2009.