New Hair Loss Treatments Offer Hope

Oral minoxidil and AI-designed antibody therapy show promise in clinical trials.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Dermatologists are seeing more patients than ever dealing with hair loss, especially women in their 40s and 50s. A new extended-release version of oral minoxidil and an AI-designed antibody therapy that targets the prolactin receptor on hair follicles are both in clinical trials and showing promising results. These treatments are seen as complementary, not competing, and could transform the hair-growth industry in the next five years.

Why it matters

Hair loss is a growing concern, driven by factors like the rise of GLP-1 medications and the shedding that can accompany rapid weight loss. These new treatments offer hope for those frustrated by thinning hair, providing potential solutions that go beyond the current options.

The details

The current formulation of oral minoxidil was not originally developed as a hair-growth drug, and its quick spike and drop in the bloodstream limits its effectiveness. An extended-release version aims to deliver a steady dose over time, creating a healthier environment for hair growth. Early data shows it performed nearly three times better than currently available options. The AI-designed antibody therapy, ABS-201, targets the prolactin receptor on hair follicles, which many dermatologists didn't previously associate with hair biology. Early studies in rodents and monkeys have shown strong regrowth, and phase one human trials are underway. Unlike a daily pill, this treatment would likely be delivered as a series of injections over several months, with the potential for the effects to last up to a year.

  • The extended-release oral minoxidil is currently in phase three clinical trials.
  • The AI-designed antibody therapy, ABS-201, is in phase one human trials in Australia.

The players

David J. Goldberg, MD

A New York dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group who shared insights on the new hair loss treatments.

Veradermics

The company developing the extended-release version of oral minoxidil.

AbSci

The company that used artificial intelligence to design the antibody therapy targeting the prolactin receptor on hair follicles.

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What they’re saying

“Minoxidil works by really dilating blood vessels. It creates a healthy environment around the hair, which allows hair to grow. If you get that drop, then we know it's not going to work as well.”

— David J. Goldberg, MD, Dermatologist (newbeauty.com)

“For all of my career, prolactin was the hormone that allowed women to lactate. I never knew it did anything else. It turns out hair follicles have a ton of prolactin receptors.”

— David J. Goldberg, MD, Dermatologist (newbeauty.com)

What’s next

If the extended-release oral minoxidil and the AI-designed antibody therapy continue to show positive results in clinical trials, they could reach the market within the next few years, potentially transforming the hair-growth industry.

The takeaway

These new hair loss treatments, which work in complementary ways to create a healthier environment for hair growth and directly target the hair follicles, offer hope for those frustrated by thinning hair. The potential breakthroughs in the next five years could significantly improve options for managing and reversing hair loss.