Method of enhancing hair growth

Abstract

Methods and compositions for stimulating the growth of hair are disclosed wherein said compositions include a cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-cycloalkyl or arylalkyl compound represented by the formula I wherein the dashed bonds represent a single or double bond which can be in the cis or trans configuration, A, B, Z, X, R 1 and R 2 are as defined in the specification. Such compositions are used in treating the skin or scalp of a human or non-human animal. Bimatoprost is preferred for this treatment.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of stimulating hair growth, comprising administering to a scalp an effective amount of a topical composition containing bimatoprost or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the topical composition is applied at least once daily. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the topical composition is applied at least once daily for a period of at least one month. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the topical composition is selected from the group consisting of a solution, an emulsion, a foam, a gel, and a cream. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the topical composition is a solution. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the topical composition is an emulsion. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the topical composition is a gel. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the topical composition comprises about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of bimatoprost. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the method is effective for treating alopecia. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the method is effective for treating hair loss. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein administering the composition to the scalp results in an increase in one or more hair attributes selected from the group consisting of increased length, increased thickness, and increased pigmentation. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein about 1 ng to about 10 mg of bimatoprost is applied to the scalp per day. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein about 10 ng to about 1 mg of bimatoprost is applied to the scalp per day. 
     
     
         34 . A method of stimulating hair growth, comprising administering to at least one eyebrow an effective amount of a topical composition containing bimatoprost or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the topical composition is applied at least once daily. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the topical composition is selected from the group consisting of a solution, an emulsion, a foam, a gel, and a cream. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the topical composition is a solution. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the topical composition is an emulsion. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the topical composition is a gel. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the topical composition comprises about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of bimatoprost. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein administering the composition to the at least one eyebrow results in an increase in one or more hair attributes selected from the group consisting of increased length, increased thickness, and increased pigmentation.