As Botox maker Allergan prepares to market the new eyelash-enhancing drug Latisse at the end of this month, an industry analyst says its greatest value for the Irvine-based company could be as a gateway drug that leads more women to try Botox.

Latisse is a variation of the glaucoma drug Lumigan, which doctors discovered has the side effect of boosting eyelash growth. The Food and Drug Administration approved the new use last month.

In a New York Times article on Latisse, analyst Gary Nachman downplayed its impact, citing the likely $120-a-month cost of the prescription drug:

Gary Nachman, director of specialty pharmaceuticals at the investment bank Leerink Swann, said the expense of Latisse and the inconvenience of obtaining a doctor’s prescription might deter many women from trying it. Health insurance does not typically cover such cosmetic treatments.

Mr. Nachman said Latisse might have more value to Allergan as a gateway drug that brings new patients to cosmetic medicine and leads them to try Botox. He predicted Latisse would have sales of only $80 million by 2012. “I don’t think this is going to be a huge game changer,” Mr. Nachman said.

Others cited “minor side effects” from Latisse that a minority of patients experience, including red, itchy eyes and occasional permanent changes in eye color.

The following reader survey is for those who use cosmetics:

Related links:

• Allergan’s eyelash-boosting drug works, FDA says
• Botox maker prepares new drug to lengthen eyelashes
• Jan Marini eyelash lengthener with new formula is about to reach the market
• Allergan and Jan Marini settle suit over eyelash-lengthening drugs
• Allergan drug’s side effect — longer eyelashes
• Vision of the future — technology to turn brown eyes blue

Posted in: Allergan • Non-surgical treatments • OC • Reader surveys • Allergan • Botox • Eye and eye lash treatments • eye lash lengthener • Latisse • lumigan |

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