Absci (US) is a data-first artificial intelligence (AI) drug and biologic creation company that is unlocking novel treatments through the use generative AI. Most interestingly, one of the key products that they are focusing on is a hair growth treatment called ABS-201 that targets the prolactin receptor (PRLR).
I first heard about the company in January 2025 due to reader “John Doe”. At the time, Absci received a $20 million investment from chip manufacturer Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). Unlike virtually all new entrants in the hair loss world, Absci has a great website. However, it should be noted that the company originally started operations in 2011, under the auspices of founder and CEO Sean McClain.
In March 2025, Absci presented on the subject of AI in dermatology at the Dermatology Innovation Forum. On a related note, in 2022, I wrote a post on AI and machine learning for hair loss drug discovery.
Absci Presentation on ABS-201
Considering that Absci’s pipeline page shows that ABS-201 is yet to even enter Phase 1 clinical trials, I was reluctant to write this post. However a new video presentation (embedded below) that the company uploaded in February 2025 changed my mind. It is titled “Absci R&D Day 2024”. The portion devoted to ABS-201 and hair loss starts at 1:19:40 and lasts for over an hour.
Also check out the company’s case study page on ANS-201. Interestingly, in the notes to the key mechanism of action diagram, they mention that ABS-201 also has the potential to restore hair pigmentation.
Absci currently has over 77,000 square feet of space between:
- A state-of-the-art wet lab in Vancouver WA (US).
- An advanced AI research lab in New York City (US).
- A drug innovation center in Zug (Switzerland).
The company plans to begin Phase 1 clinical trials for ABS-201 in the first half of 2026. Their preclinical model demonstrated improved hair regrowth in comparison to minoxidil.
Absci ABS-201 versus Hope Medicine HMI-115
Note that Absci’s AI-developed ABS-201 is similar to Hope Medicine’s HMI-115 that is currently in Phase 2 trials. The latter prolactin receptor antibody treatment for male and female pattern hair loss was originally developed by Bayer (Germany) who received a patent for it in January 2019. A few months later, Hope Medicine announced a global licensing agreement with Bayer to advance the development of this monoclonal antibody to target the prolactin receptor.
In the above screenshot from Absci’s earlier mentioned recent presentation video, they elaborate on some of the key differences between ABS-201 and HMI-115.
We know more than we ever knew about baldness, how long do we still have to wait for a cure? Is it always 5 years away? I’ve been waiting these 5 years for 30 years.
Typo Admin: “Absci received a $20 investment” should be $20 million.
Thanks Yoda!
Cautiously optimistic for this one. Total funding since their inception is 222 million USD.
The public comparison with HMI-115 is somewhat brutal and hints that it is a failure.
If they can start trials then we have another player. Fingers crossed.
To my eye the comparators are all about things other than effectiveness that matter to a drug manufacturer: stability, potential solubility in carrier solutions, potential for topical rather than intradermal injection application, etc.
On par with Minoxidil isn’t exactly getting me out of bed, but the potential to white hair is very intriguing.
It’s about time. A startup revolution based on AI drugs is what’s needed, but the FDA will do everything in its power to keep things from moving forward.