Absci and U.S. Soccer Legend Landon Donovan Partner to Champion the Patient Voice in Hair Loss Research

Rhea-AI Summary

Absci (Nasdaq: ABSI) announced a partnership with U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan to raise awareness of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and the emotional impact of hair loss. Donovan will speak about his personal experience at Absci’s virtual Key Opinion Leader seminar on December 11, 2025, providing patient perspective to guide development of the company’s investigational antibody ABS-201. Absci said it will present additional human ex vivo data supporting the PRLR mechanism of action and discuss the anticipated clinical development path and market opportunity for ABS-201.

The collaboration aims to destigmatize hair loss, highlight unmet treatment needs, and center patient voice in Absci’s AI-driven drug design efforts.

Key Figures

KOL seminar date December 11, 2025 Virtual seminar on ABS-201 and androgenetic alopecia program

Market Reality Check

$3.52 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,422,711 is about 50% of the 20-day average 4,869,916, indicating subdued trading interest ahead of the event-focused news. low

Technical Shares at $3.52 are trading above the 200-day MA of $3.06, reflecting an improving longer-term trend into the alopecia awareness partnership.

Peers on Argus

ABSI’s gain of 2.03% contrasts with several key biotech peers declining (e.g., LXRX -5.76%, INBX -4.33%, CGEM -0.64%), suggesting today’s move is stock-specific rather than sector-driven.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 04	Clinical trial update	Positive	+11.7%	First participants dosed in Phase 1/2a HEADLINE trial of ABS-201.
Nov 12	Earnings update	Neutral	-1.4%	Q3 2025 financials and pipeline updates, including timelines for ABS-201.
Oct 29	Earnings preview	Neutral	-0.7%	Notice of upcoming Q3 2025 results call and webcast details.
Oct 27	Investor conferences	Positive	+5.4%	Participation in multiple November healthcare and investor conferences.
Oct 15	KOL seminar & trial	Positive	+28.2%	Announcement of Dec 11 ABS-201 KOL seminar and accelerated Phase 1/2a start.

Pattern Detected

Recent ABS-201 and event-driven announcements have often coincided with positive price reactions, especially when tied to clinical acceleration or detailed program updates.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Absci has highlighted steady progress on its AI-designed programs, particularly ABS-201 for androgenetic alopecia. The company accelerated initiation of the Phase 1/2a trial and then confirmed first participants dosed, both linked to notable positive moves. Investor outreach through KOL seminars and investor conferences has also been frequent. Today’s announcement about elevating the patient voice at the Dec 11, 2025 KOL seminar fits into this broader strategy of building awareness around ABS-201 and its clinical trajectory.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-08-12

$400,000,000 registered capacity

Absci has an active Form S-3 shelf filed on Aug 12, 2025 allowing offerings of up to $400,000,000 in various securities, including a sales agreement prospectus for up to $100,000,000 of common stock. The registration was preliminary and not yet effective as of the provided data, with no recorded usage.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock is surging +12.4% following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with prior ABS-201 milestones that coincided with sizeable gains, such as past KOL and trial-initiation updates. However, with an effective shelf capacity of up to $400,000,000 and historically high short interest, sharp upside moves could face overhang from potential future financing and short-cover dynamics. Investors have previously rewarded tangible clinical progress more than awareness or event-driven news, which may affect the durability of such a surge.

Key Terms

androgenetic alopecia medical

"destigmatize androgenetic alopecia and highlight the need for new therapeutic"

Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss characterized by gradual thinning and receding of hair, often following a predictable pattern. It results from a combination of genetic factors and hormone influences, similar to how certain plants are more susceptible to environmental stress. For investors, understanding trends in health and wellness, including conditions like this, can highlight shifts in consumer demand for related products and treatments.

clinical-stage biopharmaceutical medical

"Absci Corporation (Nasdaq: ABSI), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing"

A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical is a company that is developing medicines or biological treatments that are currently being tested in people in clinical trials to assess safety and effectiveness. For investors it signals a higher-risk, higher-reward profile: progress through human testing and regulatory milestones can sharply increase value if results are positive, while failed trials can wipe out expected future revenue — like a prototype that must prove it works before it can be sold widely.

generative AI technical

"advancing breakthrough therapeutics with generative AI, today announced a partnership"

Generative AI is a type of computer technology that can create new content, like text, images, or music, on its own. It’s important because it can produce realistic and useful material quickly, which could change how we create art, write stories, or even develop new products. Think of it as a smart robot that can invent and produce things almost like a human.

antibody medical

"design and development of the investigational antibody, ABS-201."

An antibody is a protein made by the immune system that recognizes and sticks to a specific foreign substance, such as a virus or a particular protein; think of it as a custom-shaped Velcro patch that clings only to its matching target. Investors care because antibodies are used as medicines, diagnostics and tests, so clinical results, safety, manufacturing complexity and regulatory approval can directly affect a health company's revenue prospects and stock value.

PRLR mechanism of action medical

"new human ex vivo data that further support the PRLR mechanism of action underlying"

PRLR mechanism of action describes how a therapy interacts with the prolactin receptor (PRLR) on cell surfaces to change the receptor’s signaling — for example by blocking, activating, or degrading it. Think of the receptor as a doorbell: the therapy can silence it, jam it shut, or trigger different responses, which alters cell growth, hormone activity, or immune behavior. For investors, this matters because the mechanism determines likely benefits, side effects, trial design and commercial potential.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Partnership aims to destigmatize androgenetic alopecia and highlight the need for new therapeutic options that address the root cause of disease

Donovan to share his personal journey at Absci’s upcoming Key Opinion Leader seminar

VANCOUVER, Wash. and NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Absci Corporation (Nasdaq: ABSI), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing breakthrough therapeutics with generative AI, today announced a partnership with U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan to elevate the voices of those living with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and shine a light on the emotional impact of hair loss.

Donovan will join Absci’s virtual KOL seminar on Thursday, December 11 to speak about his patient experience and the need for better treatment options, providing patient-driven context for the design and development of the investigational antibody, ABS-201.

“For years, I felt like I had to suffer in silence because hair loss is often dismissed as just a vanity issue. But the reality is that losing your hair can feel like losing a piece of your identity,” said Landon Donovan, former U.S. Men’s National Team captain. “I know the frustration of looking in the mirror, trying products that don’t work, and feeling like there is no real solution. I’m sharing my story to let others know they aren’t alone, and to support the work Absci is doing to finally bring a science-first approach to a condition that affects so many of us.”

“We believe that developing breakthrough medicines starts with listening to the people who need them,” said Sean McClain, Founder and CEO of Absci. “Landon’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every data point is a person struggling with self-confidence and mental health. This partnership reinforces our commitment to improving the lives of patients who have been waiting too long for innovation.”

Absci will be hosting a virtual seminar on Thursday, December 11 with leading dermatology and hair research experts to discuss the anticipated clinical development path, market opportunity, and differentiated profile of AI designed antibody ABS-201. The company will also disclose additional, new human ex vivo data that further support the PRLR mechanism of action underlying this program. Landon Donovan will join the seminar to share his personal struggles with hair loss and the human impact of androgenetic alopecia.

About ABS-201 and Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss, affects approximately 80 million Americans. 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.

ABS-201 represents a novel therapeutic approach targeting prolactin receptors to stimulate hair follicle regeneration and promote durable hair regrowth as demonstrated in in vivo studies. In preclinical studies, the antibody demonstrated statistically significant superior hair regrowth compared to minoxidil in a preclinical mouse model. Absci anticipates an interim data readout from its Phase 1/2a HEADLINE study in the second half of 2026.

About Absci
Absci is advancing the future of drug discovery with generative design to create better biologics for patients, faster. Our Integrated Drug Creation™ platform combines cutting-edge AI models with a synthetic biology data engine, enabling the rapid design of innovative therapeutics that address challenging therapeutic targets. Absci’s approach leverages a continuous feedback loop between advanced AI algorithms and wet lab validation. Each cycle refines our data and strengthens our models, facilitating rapid innovation and enhancing the precision of our therapeutic designs. Alongside collaborations with top pharmaceutical, biotech, tech, and academic leaders, Absci is advancing its own pipeline of AI designed therapeutics including ABS-201, a groundbreaking innovation in hair regrowth with the potential to redefine treatment possibilities for androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male and female pattern hair-loss. ABS-201 is also being investigated as a potential “best-in-class” therapeutic for endometriosis, a condition with significant unmet medical need and market potential. Absci is headquartered in Vancouver, WA, with an AI Research Lab in New York City, and Innovation Center in Switzerland. Learn more at www.absci.com or follow us on LinkedIn (@absci), X (@Abscibio) and YouTube.

Absci® standard character mark, ABS-201™, Headline™ and Integrated Drug Creation™ are trademarks and registered trademarks of Absci Corporation.

Absci Forward Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding any or all of the following: (i) Absci’s preclinical studies, clinical trials, as well as partnered and internally developed programs, including, without limitation, manufacturing capabilities, status of such studies and trials and expectations regarding data, safety and efficacy generally; (ii) data included in the above-described oral presentation, as well as the ability to use data from ongoing and planned clinical trials for the design and initiation of further clinical trials; (iii) Absci’s strategy, goals, anticipated financial performance and the sufficiency of its cash resources; (iv) regulatory submissions and authorizations, including timelines for and expectations regarding any anticipated regulatory agency decisions; (v) the expected benefits of its collaborations with partners; and (vi) the therapeutic value, development, and commercial potential of antibody therapies, as well as other technologies. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Absci Corporation’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and in any other subsequent filings made by Absci Corporation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, other than to the extent required by law.

Investor Contact:
Alex Khan
VP, Finance & Investor Relations
investors@absci.com

Media Contact:
press@absci.com
absci@methodcommunications.com

FAQ

When will Absci (ABSI) host the virtual seminar featuring Landon Donovan?

The virtual Key Opinion Leader seminar is scheduled for December 11, 2025.

What will Absci present about ABS-201 at the December 11, 2025 seminar?

Absci will discuss the anticipated clinical development path, market opportunity, and new human ex vivo data supporting the PRLR mechanism for ABS-201.

What role will Landon Donovan play in Absci’s ABS-201 program (ABSI)?

Landon Donovan will share his personal patient experience with androgenetic alopecia to provide patient-driven context for ABS-201 development.

Does the announcement report clinical results or regulatory approval for ABS-201?

No; the company said it will disclose additional human ex vivo data and discuss development plans but did not report clinical readouts or regulatory approvals.

How does this partnership affect Absci’s research approach for ABS-201 (ABSI)?

The partnership emphasizes centering the patient voice and incorporating patient perspectives into the AI-designed ABS-201 program and development planning.