An old wives’ tale claims that male pattern baldness comes solely from the maternal side of the family tree. But if your mother’s father’s full head of hair has given you hope that your own mop will remain intact, we have some potentially bad news for you. Research suggests that pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is actually heritable from both parents—and women can have the condition too. In fact, pattern baldness affects up to 50 percent of both men and women.
### A New AI-Designed Solution: ABS-201
A groundbreaking hair loss injectable called ABS-201 might change the hair loss landscape. Developed by Absci, a company based in Vancouver, Washington, ABS-201 leverages artificial intelligence to create revolutionary new medications. This innovative treatment targets the prolactin receptor, a protein typically involved in mammary development.
Unlike existing hair loss treatments such as minoxidil or hair transplants, ABS-201 doesn’t just prevent further hair loss—it actively encourages hair regrowth.
### How ABS-201 Works
Hair loss occurs when follicles enter the telogen phase of the hair cycle, a dormant stage when old hairs are pushed out. On a healthy scalp, new hairs grow in place of those shed during this phase. However, in individuals with pattern baldness, hair follicles remain stuck in the telogen phase.
ABS-201 works by redirecting these dormant hair follicles into the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase of the hair cycle. According to Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who partners with Absci, no other drugs currently target the prolactin receptor in this way.
### The Role of AI in Drug Discovery
The development of ABS-201 is a direct result of AI-based drug discovery. The Absci team compares traditional drug development to the impossible task of finding a needle in a haystack—a lengthy process of trial and error. Using AI to design the “needle” itself—the perfect antibody sequence—researchers were able to identify key antibody binding regions that precisely target the prolactin receptor, effectively stopping hair loss.
Through computer simulations, Absci optimized important drug qualities, including increased potency and a reduced chance of triggering negative immune responses.
### Emerging Treatments in Hair Loss
ABS-201 is part of a burgeoning new wave of revolutionary hair loss treatments. For example, a 2024 study published in *Frontiers in Pharmacology* proposed using deoxy-ribose sugars—the building blocks of DNA—as a topical hair regrowth treatment. Another study published this year in *Nature Cell Biology* introduced a medication named PP405, which awakens “sleepy hair follicles” by targeting their metabolism.
While both options showed promise in trials, they are not yet available on the market.
### The Advantages of Injectable Treatments
The rising popularity of GLP-1 injectable medications—which manage Type 2 diabetes and obesity—may have paved the way for biologics like ABS-201, according to Sean McClain, founder and CEO of Absci. Injections address a major flaw in topical and oral treatments: forgetfulness.
Most hair loss therapies require daily application, whether as a pill or ointment. In contrast, injectables like ABS-201 offer convenient dosing schedules, with patients needing a shot only every few months.
### Promising Preclinical Results
In preclinical trials, ABS-201 was tested on macaques, a primate species that experiences balding similarly to humans. Remarkably, six months after treatment, the macaques had full heads of hair once again.
McClain also shared that in another preclinical trial on mice, ABS-201 produced full hair regrowth after just 22 days, while minoxidil only promoted hair growth in one-third of the mice.
### Additional Benefits Over Existing Treatments
Beyond sustained hair regrowth, ABS-201 offers several advantages over current treatments. Unlike minoxidil, ABS-201 bypasses the initial shedding phase that often leads patients to quit before seeing results.
Moreover, ABS-201 may have anti-aging effects beyond hair loss. The research team believes the drug could reverse premature graying by repigmenting hair. This was observed in the macaque study, where the monkeys’ hair changed from gray back to black.
### What’s Next for ABS-201?
ABS-201 is set to enter clinical trials in Australia this December, overseen by Dr. Rodney Sinclair, a renowned dermatologist and hair loss expert.
According to McClain, the drug’s development was exceptionally rapid. Typically, getting a drug into clinical trials takes around five years and can cost up to $100 million. ABS-201, however, was developed in just 24 months at a cost of $15 million.
Phase one of the clinical trials will provide vital information on the drug’s safety and efficacy, with results expected within the coming year.
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ABS-201 represents a promising new frontier in hair loss treatment, combining cutting-edge AI technology with innovative biology to offer hope to millions affected by pattern baldness worldwide. Stay tuned for updates as clinical trials progress.
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a69077094/new-hair-regrowth-treatment/