Absci Expands ABS-201 Scientific Advisory Board with Addition of Leading Dermatology Experts Dr. Rodney Sinclair and Dr. David Goldberg
Rhea-AI Summary
Absci (Nasdaq: ABSI) has strengthened its ABS-201 Scientific Advisory Board by adding two prominent dermatology experts, Dr. Rodney Sinclair and Dr. David Goldberg. The experts will guide the development of ABS-201, an AI-designed therapeutic antibody for androgenetic alopecia treatment.
ABS-201 targets prolactin receptors to stimulate hair follicle regeneration and has shown superior hair regrowth compared to minoxidil in preclinical mouse models. The company plans to initiate Phase 1/2a clinical trials in early 2026, with initial proof-of-concept data expected in H2 2026.
The condition affects approximately 80 million Americans, with current FDA-approved treatments showing limited efficacy and notable side effects. Both new advisors bring extensive experience in dermatology and hair loss research, with Dr. Sinclair having authored over 1,000 publications and Dr. Goldberg having participated in the original Minoxidil trials.
Positive
- Promising preclinical results showing superior efficacy compared to existing treatment minoxidil
- Phase 1/2a clinical trials scheduled to begin in early 2026
- Addition of two world-renowned experts strengthens scientific advisory board
- Large market opportunity with 80 million affected Americans
Negative
- Clinical trials won't begin until 2026, indicating a long path to potential commercialization
- Efficacy in humans yet to be proven despite promising preclinical results
Insights
Absci strengthens its hair loss program with top dermatology experts as ABS-201 advances toward 2026 clinical trials with promising preclinical data.
This announcement represents a significant development for Absci's clinical pipeline strategy. The addition of Drs. Sinclair and Goldberg to the Scientific Advisory Board for ABS-201 brings substantial credibility and expertise to Absci's hair regrowth program. Both experts bring impressive credentials - Dr. Sinclair with over 1000 publications and Dr. Goldberg with experience in the original Minoxidil trials - providing valuable clinical development guidance as ABS-201 approaches Phase 1/2a trials.
The program targets an attractive market opportunity with approximately 80 million Americans affected by androgenetic alopecia and limited effective treatment options. Current FDA-approved treatments (minoxidil and finasteride) have notable limitations in efficacy and side effects, creating a clear unmet need.
ABS-201's novel mechanism targeting prolactin receptors differentiates it from existing therapies. Preclinical data showing statistically significant superior hair regrowth compared to minoxidil provides early validation of this approach. The company has established a clear development timeline with Phase 1/2a trials beginning in early 2026 and initial proof-of-concept data expected in H2 2026.
The expanded advisory board positions Absci to leverage AI-driven drug discovery capabilities while ensuring rigorous clinical development oversight, potentially accelerating their path to market with a differentiated therapeutic option for a condition with substantial quality-of-life impact.
World-renowned experts will guide the clinical development of ABS-201, a therapeutic antibody entering clinical trials for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
VANCOUVER, Wash. and NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Absci (Nasdaq: ABSI), a clinical-stage biotech company advancing breakthrough therapeutics with generative AI, today announced that world-renowned dermatologists Dr. Rodney Sinclair and Dr. David Goldberg have joined its ABS-201 Scientific Advisory Board. They will guide the scientific and clinical development of ABS-201, Absci’s flagship, AI-designed therapeutic program for androgenetic alopecia.
Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss, affects approximately 80 million Americans alone. 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 pre-clinical mouse models. Phase 1/2a clinical trials are planned to begin in early 2026, with initial proof-of-concept data expected in the second half of 2026.
"Dr. Sinclair and Dr. Goldberg bring world-class expertise to our hair-regrowth program,” said Sean McClain, Founder and CEO of Absci. “Their deep understanding of androgenetic alopecia and its treatment challenges will be invaluable as we rapidly advance ABS-201 toward clinical validation as a potential best-in-class therapy."
Dr. Rodney Sinclair, MBBS, MD, FACD, is the Professor of Dermatology at the University of Melbourne and Director of Sinclair Dermatology in Melbourne. He is a world-renowned expert in hair loss, with over three decades dedicated to research, clinical practice, and patient advocacy. Dr. Sinclair has authored over 1000 publications including contributions to key textbooks in dermatology and hair disorders.
"Having researched hair loss for over three decades, I've seen the substantial impact androgenetic alopecia has on patients' quality of life and self-esteem," said Dr. Sinclair. "ABS-201 has a novel mechanism of action and a promising preclinical profile with the potential for a durable therapy to address a condition where all currently available treatments require continuous usage. I look forward to building on Absci’s momentum and innovation."
Dr. David J. Goldberg, MD, JD, has nearly four decades of clinical dermatology experience, with particular expertise in laser therapy and cosmetic dermatology. He is Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and has performed pivotal research studies in dermatology and hair loss including the original Minoxidil trials. Dr. Goldberg has published more than 200 academic papers and contributed to over 15 textbooks on hair restoration and dermatology. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
“Having been involved in research on hair loss for many years, including the original minoxidil trials, low-level light and PRP treatments, I’ve seen both the achievements and limitations of current therapies. ABS-201’s approach is rooted in sound science and early data that show real promise. I’m honored to work with Absci’s talented team to help bring innovative, effective solutions to patients suffering from androgenetic alopecia,” said Dr. Goldberg
With the expansion of the ABS-201 Scientific Advisory Board, Drs. Sinclair and Goldberg join a distinguished roster of renowned experts in dermatology and hair restoration, including Drs. Anthony Rossi, Maria Hordinsky, Ken Washenik among others.
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. These include ABS-101, a potentially best-in-class antibody to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as other indications, and 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 baldness. 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.
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FAQ
What is ABS-201 and how does it treat hair loss?
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Who are the new members of Absci's ABS-201 Scientific Advisory Board?
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