I have covered the renowned Sinclair Dermatology (Australia) that is run by Dr. Rodney Sinclair many times on this blog. They have conducted a number of hair loss related clinical trials in recent years. Their most important ones involved:

1. HMI-115 from Hope Medicine (China) = blocking the prolactin receptor via injections. Phase 1 trials ended in 2022. Phase 2 trials were then done in China and finished in 2025.
2. ABS-201 from Absci (US) = blocking the prolactin receptor via injections. Unlike HMI-115, this product is developed using artificial intelligence (AI). Phase 1 trials were supposed to have started in December 2025.
3. Sublingual Minoxidil and Oral Minoxidil.

A Hair Loss Clinical Trial that Pays $20,000

And you may even regrow some hair and reverse some grey hair as a bonus.

Earlier today, Australian media released a new video where it was mentioned that balding men could earn Australian Dollars (AUD) $27,460 to participate in a new hair loss related clinical trial. This amount is equal to US Dollars (USD) $19,500 at prevailing exchange rates. As a bonus, these injections may also stop and possibly reverse grey hair.

Per the video, the trial entails injections to block the prolactin hormone (and therefore prevent the prolactin receptor from causing baldness). However, the official government clinical trial page says the following:

“Approximately 4-6 Single Ascending Dose (SAD) IV doses will be tested and if safe and well tolerated, approximately 3-4 Sub-cutaneous Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) doses will be tested in participants.”

The “subcutaneous” above means injections, but I think that you should expect both IV and injection delivery.

The above official government clinical trial page also states that the drug being tested is ABS-201 (which I mentioned earlier). It is both a Phase 1 and Phase 2 trial, with a 227 person enrollment target.

I would be wary of side effects if I was participating in this trial for an AI developed drug. However, it should be noted that people who received the somewhat similar HMI-115 injections at Sinclair Dermatology in 2022 did not seem to get serious side effects as far as I know.

Trial Details

The trial will be run by Sinclair Dermatology and Nucleus Network (both in Melbourne, Australia). On the latter’s website, they call it the Headline Trial, A separate trial participation link calls it the HAIR Trial. On the HAIR Trial page, it mentions the amount to be reimbursed as “up to $21,860” (AUD) for those eligible. This amount is lower than announced in the earlier embedded video. However, on the Headline Trial page there is a clearer elaboration about two options for participation (and hence the payment variation):

Option 1:

• 4 sets of 3 overnight stays (12 nights total).
• At least 20 follow-up visits.
• Up to $27,460 (AUD) reimbursement for your time and commitment.

Option 2:

• 4 dosing visits.
• At least 18 follow-up visits.
• Up to $21,860 (AUD) reimbursement for your time and commitment.

​​On the HAIR trial page, it says that the participants will receive 4 doses of the study medication over the first 6 months​. The total study duration is approximately 18 months and participants will be regularly monitored. Each clinic visit in Melbourne will take 1 to 2 hours. However, on Sinclair Dermatology’s website, it says:

“Patients will be asked to visit the clinic about 27 times over 18 months. There will only be 4 dosing visits.”

As far as eligibility goes, most of us will fail the first one in the below list. I am also not sure if they will accept non-Australian residents.

• You “may” not be eligible if you have: used minoxidil, finasteride or anabolic steroids in the last 6 months; used dutasteride in the last 12 months; have previously had a hair transplant or scalp micropigmentation; are on prescription medications; or have certain heart, kidney, or liver-related health conditions,
• You must be a man aged 18-65 years. However, in both the HAIR Trial and Headline Trial links, they also have an option for women to register their interest. Confusing.
• You must weigh over 60 kgs (132 lbs).
• You must have a balding spot on the top of their head (i.e., crown hair loss).

There are also other exclusion criteria in the official government clinical trial page.