Jan Marini discontinues its eyelash enhancer

SAN JOSE, Calif. Looking to untangle itself from FDA conflicts and a patent dispute with drug maker Allergan, beauty company Jan Marini Skin Research has reportedly pulled the plug on its cosmetic product designed to make eyelashes look longer.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the California manufacturer recently began notifying customers that it would no longer offer its Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner in the United States. Chief executive officer Jan Marini told the WSJ that the move will allow the company to focus on the rest of the skin care product business.

As reported by Drug Store News in November, the FDA had seized nearly 13,000 tubes of the company’s Age Intervention Eyelash because the product may, in some users, lead to decreased vision.

According to the FDA, Age Intervention Eyelash was considered an unapproved and misbranded drug because it was promoted to increase eyelash growth. Before a new drug product may be legally marketed, it must be shown to be safe and effective, and approved by the FDA.

The company ceased manufacturing and shipping in 2006 any Age Intervention Eyelash product containing bimatoprost.

In February 2007, Jan Marini Skin Research released a reformulated product named Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner. According to the company, the reformulated product does not contain bimatoprost or any other prescription drug ingredient.

Marini told the WSJ that she isn’t aware of any safety complaints related to either the original formulation or the new one.

Also of concern was a brewing dispute with Allergan regarding patents. Allergan is believed to be testing an eyelash product called Lumilash modeled on its glaucoma treatment Lumigan, the WSJ reported. In November, Allergan sued seven eyelash-product companies alleging patent infringement.