Cyclosporine compositions for enhancing nail growth

Abstract

The present invention is directed to cyclosporine compositions and methods for stimulating the growth of nails and cuticles in a mammal, including humans. The compositions may be administered topically to the nail bed, nail matrix and cuticle in an amount effective to increase nail growth and thicken, strengthen and smooth the nail. The composition is also effective in strengthening and growing nails, including fingernails and toenails.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of accelerating nail growth, treating brittle nails or strengthening nail growth in a human or animal, the method comprising:
 topically applying a composition comprising cyclosporine to the nails, cuticles or nail matrix of the human or animal at least once a day, wherein said composition is selected from the group consisting of an emulsion, solution, gel, paste, dispersion and suspension.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the cyclosporine is cyclosporine A. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the cyclosporine is a cyclosporine A derivative or segment. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the composition is an emulsion. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the cyclosporine is cyclosporine A and is present in the emulsion in the amount of 0.05% w/v. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising glycerin, castor oil, polysorbate 80 and carbomer 1342. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  where in the cyclosporine is cyclosporine A and is present in a solution in the amount 0.01% w/v to 0.0125% w/v of the composition. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the cyclosporine is present in the amount of 0.001% w/v to 50% w/v of the composition.