Methylamido Dihydro Noralfaprostal (MDN): An Effective Bimatoprost Replacement On Lengtenhing Eyelashes
Traditionally, prostaglandin analogues have been studied for glaucoma treatment, effectively controlling progression of the disease.
Glaucoma causes damage to the eye’s optical nerves and only gets worse over time. Controlling its progression is a viable treatment strategy, possible through use of various prostaglandin analogues.
Bimatoprost is a popular PG analogue that was previously studied for the same purpose. During clinical trials, certain side effects were noted. A major side effect was darkening, thickening and lengthening of eyelashes after prolonged treatment.
With the knowledge of this side effect came potential new cosmetic products(s).
Bimatoprost and eyelash lengthening
Once being tested for glaucoma treatment, the brand containing Bimatoprost as one of the active ingredients soon took on eyelash hypotrichosis. It became quite an internet sensation when it was found that it could turn irises brown.
The side effects involving eyelashes were exploited and soon its topical formulation containing 0.03% Bimatoprost was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It’s intriguing how Bimatoprost doesn’t directly alter the length of eyelashes. In fact, it prolongs the anagen phase of hair growth, making new hair spend more time in the growing phase. This results in elongated eyelashes.
These eyelashes are also thicker as their life span is disturbed by the prolonged growth phase. At any given time, there are more eyelashes on an eyelid.
Here’s the catch though: Sweden banned prostaglandin containing products. In 2012, the Swedish Medical Products Agency carried out investigation and found these analogues in 9 out of 26 products tested.
One of the major reasons for this is the various side effects of these treatments. Redness, allergies, blurred vision, stinging and irritated eyes are some of the notable side effects.
Can Methylamido Dihydro Noralfaprostal (MDN) take over European markets?
Most of the above mentioned side effects were seen with Bimatoprost. However, it remains the only drug approved by the FDA.
Finding a product that is similar in function to Bimatoprost but doesn’t have these side effects can help the industry develop an alternative.
MDN is a potent PG analogue that can be an effective alternative to Bimatoprost. It has similar form and function, and its side effects are yet to be discovered. In European countries, MDN can potentially replace Bimatoprost containing products.
