Methods of using dyphylline for the promotion of hair growth

Abstract

The subject invention relates to methods for promoting hair growth in mammals comprising topical application of dyphylline or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof. The subject invention further involves topical compositions comprising dyphylline.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of regulating hair growth in mammals comprising applying to a mammal in need of treatment a composition comprising: a) a safe and effective amount of dyphylline, having the structure: ##STR2## or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof; and b) a carrier.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein application of the composition is by subcutaneous injection. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 wherein application of the composition is topical. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3 wherein the amount of dyphylline applied to the skin is from about 0.01 μg per cm 2  skin to about 600 μg per cm 2  skin. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 4 wherein the amount of dyphylline applied to the skin is from about 0.1 μg per cm 2  skin to about 600 μg per cm 2  skin. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 4 wherein the amount of dyphylline applied to the skin is from 1 μg per cm 2  skin to about 300 μg per cm 2  skin. 
     
     
       7. A fluid dispensing device comprising: a) a fluid container with a mouth;   b) a soft, porous-tipped applicator at an end of the fluid container;   c) a means for holding the applicator in the mouth of the container; and   d) a liquid composition deliverable from the fluid container through the applicator onto the skin, comprising from about 0.005% to about 15% of a compound having the structure: ##STR3## or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.   
     
     
       8. The device of claim 7 wherein the liquid composition further comprises a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. 
     
     
       9. The device of claim 7 wherein the liquid composition comprises from about 1% to about 3% of dyphylline. 
     
     
       10. The device of claim 7 wherein the liquid composition further comprises cyclic adenosine monophosphate or a derivative thereof. 
     
     
       11. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition comprises a topical carrier comprising an emollient. 
     
     
       12. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition comprises from about 0.005% to about 15% dyphylline. 
     
     
       13. The method of claim 1 wherein the topical carrier further comprises glycerine. 
     
     
       14. The method of claim 13 wherein the topical carrier comprises from about 45% to about 85% water. 
     
     
       15. The method of claim 14 wherein the composition comprises from about 1% to about 10% dyphylline. 
     
     
       16. The method of claim 15 wherein the composition comprises from about 1% to about 5% dyphylline. 
     
     
       17. A topical composition for regulating hair growth in mammalian skin comprising: a) a safe and effective amount of dyphylline having the structure: ##STR4## or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof; and b) a topical carrier comprising finasteride.