Biopharmaceutical company Absci has reported positive data from the Phase I trial of its alopecia treatment. 

ABS-201, an investigational anti-prolactin receptor (PRLR) antibody, was evaluated in a first-in-human, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 32 healthy volunteers with and without androgenetic alopecia (AGA). 

The medication proved to be well-tolerated across four cohorts, with an estimated half-life of at least 65 days.  

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss, affects approximately 80 million people in the US. The condition causes crown balding and receding hairlines in men, and progressive hair thinning in women.  

Currently, the only FDA-approved treatments – minoxidil and finasteride – show limited efficacy and notable side effects, leaving patients with limited therapeutic options. 

“We are particularly encouraged by the emerging safety, pharmacokinetic, and immunogenicity profile observed to date,” said Ransi Somaratne, Chief Medical Officer of Absci.  

“We look forward to further characterising ABS-201’s clinical profile and potential in the ongoing MAD portion of the HEADLINE trial for AGA, and to initiating a Phase II trial for endometriosis later this year.” 

The trial results come as Absci announced it expected to raise $100 million in shares. Absci says it intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund the advancement of ABS-20, for working capital and for other general corporate purposes.