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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition for use in enhancing the growth of one selected from the group consisting of eyelashes, eyebrows and scalp hair, wherein the composition comprises bimatoprost and is applied topically. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is a bimatoprost solution. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein the composition is a 0.03% w/v bimatoprost solution. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is for use in enhancing the growth of eyelashes. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is useful for the treatment of hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the composition increases one attribute selected from the group consisting of length, thickness and darkness of eyelashes. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the composition increases at least two attributes selected from the group consisting of length, thickness and darkness of eyelashes. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the composition increases the length, thickness and darkness of eyelashes. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied directly to where eyelash, eyebrow or hair growth is needed. 
     
     
         10 . A composition for use in enhancing the growth of one selected from the group consisting of eyelashes, eyebrows and scalp hair, wherein the composition comprises bimatoprost and is applied topically at least once a day. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the composition contains 0.001-50% w/v bimatoprost. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the composition contains 0.03% w/v bimatoprost. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the composition contains 0.1%-30% w/v bimatoprost. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the composition is a 0.03% w/v bimatoprost solution and is useful for treating hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing one attribute selected from the group consisting of length, thickness and darkness of eyelashes. 
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the composition is 0.03% w/v bimatoprost solution and is used for enhancing the growth of eyelashes. 
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 15 , wherein the composition is applied once a day to the upper eyelid margin. 
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the composition is applied directly to the scalp to enhance hair growth. 
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the composition is applied directly to the skin beneath the eyebrows to enhance eyebrow growth. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the composition is an emulsion. 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of a solution, an emulsion, a foam, a gel and a cream.