Treatment for hypopigmented scars using bimatoprost

Evaluation of Laser-assisted Drug Delivery of Bimatoprost for the Treatment of Hypertrophic Scar Hypopigmentation: A Within Patient-Controlled Trial in Skin of Color

Phase 2 Interventional Medstar Health Research Institute · NCT06122090

This study is testing if a medication called bimatoprost can improve the color and appearance of light-colored burn scars in people by comparing it to a saline solution.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedstar Health Research Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia)
Trial IDNCT06122090 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bimatoprost in treating hypopigmented burn scars. Patients with two eligible scars will have one treated with bimatoprost delivered through fractional ablative CO2 laser, while the other will receive a saline control. The treatment will occur over six sessions with follow-up visits to assess changes in melanin levels and scar appearance. Tissue biopsies will also be conducted to understand the mechanism of action of bimatoprost.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with two distinct hypopigmented scars resulting from cutaneous trauma.

Not a fit: Patients with hypopigmented scars located on the face or genitalia, or those with known allergies to bimatoprost or lidocaine, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the pigmentation and appearance of hypopigmented scars for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of bimatoprost for scar treatment is relatively novel, similar approaches using other topical agents have shown promise in improving scar appearance.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

1. Age ≥ 18 years
2. Cutaneous trauma resulting in hypopigmented scar
3. 2 different hypopigmented scars (at least 30cm2 each) with at least 2 inches of normal skin, hyperpigmented scar, or hypopigmented scar separating each hypopigmented study site scar

Exclusion Criteria

1. Target hypopigmented scar to face or genitalia
2. Known allergy to bimatoprost
3. Known allergy to lidocaine
4. Positive urine pregnancy test in women of childbearing potential (per point of care test)
5. Lactating women (self-reported)
6. Prisoner status

Where this trial is running

Washington D.C., District of Columbia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ScarsHypopigmented ScarHypopigmented SkinBurn ScarScarringCicatrix, HypertrophicCicatrixPigmentation Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.