Eflornithine is a drug developed by Aventis, which has various uses. It was discovered during studies for cancer medication; while it has no significant effects in malignancies, it was found to be effective in combatting African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), in particular the West African form. It may replace the highly toxic melarsoprol. Supplies of Eflornithine are limited as Aventis no longer manufactures it due to low profit margins. Aventis gave the patent to the WHO who have attempted to find a new supplier.

As a topical application, the drug has also been shown to be an effective hair growth retardant in some patients, and is sold under the brand name Vaniqa® (eflornithine hydrochloride 13.9%). Efficacy data submitted to FDA observed about 58% of women using it on facial hair had improvement². This study suggested it may be particularly effective in postmenopausal women. One large published study on safety found the product rarely caused significant side effects such as acne, follicle irritation, itching or dryness³. This corroborates unpublished data submitted to FDA showing about 2% of subjects discontinued use due to adverse reactions.

It appears to work by inhibiting ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) an enzyme that regulates cell division.

References

• Pepin J, Milord F, Guern C, Schechter PJ. Difluoromethylornithine for arseno-resistant Trypanosoma brucei gambiense sleeping sickness. Lancet 1987;2(8573):1431-3. PMID 2891995.
• Note 2: Vaniqa package insert.
• Note 3: Hickman JG, Huber F, Palmisano M. Human dermal safety studies with eflornithine HCl 13.9% cream (Vaniqa), a novel treatment for excessive facial hair. Curr Med Res Opin 2001;16:235-44. PMID 11268707.

External links

• Vaniqa corporate site
• HairFacts: Vaniqa overview and medical data
• Hairchick.com - Vaniqa information