Eirion Therapeutics Begins First Human Trial for ET-02 in Androgenic Alopecia

Eirion Therapeutics Inc., headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial to study the safety of ET-02, a patented topical treatment for androgenic alopecia, commonly known as age-related hair loss. This trial marks the first enrollment of a participant and is structured as a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Its primary aim is to evaluate the safety of daily ET-02 application over a period of 28 days. The trial plans to include approximately 24 participants across three research centers in the United States.

ET-02 functions through a distinct mechanism that reactivates hair follicle stem cells, which often become defective or inactive in men experiencing age-related hair loss. These stem cells act as the "master control switches" for hair growth. By restoring these cells to their normal activity, ET-02 aims to promote natural hair growth. This novel approach targets the root cause of androgenic alopecia, potentially offering a more effective solution compared to existing treatments that do not directly impact hair follicle stem cells.

Dr. Jerry Shapiro, a prominent expert in hair loss treatment and a Professor of Dermatology at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, remarked, "ET-02 represents a significant advancement over current pharmaceuticals for treating androgenic alopecia. This Phase 1 safety study is an essential first step in the evaluation process. If successful, it will pave the way for a Phase 2 study focusing on ET-02's efficacy."

Jon Edelson, MD, CEO and President of Eirion Therapeutics, emphasized the potential of ET-02 based on a controlled pre-clinical study involving 90 human scalp tissue grafts from men with intermediate-stage androgenic alopecia. The study demonstrated ET-02's ability to restore hair growth and normalize hair follicle structure and function. Due to its unique mechanism, ET-02 is not only expected to treat but also potentially prevent androgenic alopecia. Unlike some other treatments, ET-02 does not interfere with hormonal pathways, thereby avoiding associated side effects such as sexual dysfunction.

Moreover, ET-02 might also address hair greying by affecting melanocyte stem cells, which control hair color. Eirion Therapeutics plans to explore this application in the future. ET-02 is one of three products currently under development by Eirion. The company's other products include ET-01, a topical neuromodulator in Phase 2 trials with over 750 subjects, and AI-09, a next-generation injectable neuromodulator tested in a Phase 1-2 trial with 96 participants.

Dr. Edelson commented on the complementary nature of ET-02 in relation to Eirion's other aesthetic biopharmaceutical products, which are potential treatments for facial wrinkles. He emphasized that together, these three candidates contribute to a promising and diverse pipeline for aesthetic medicine innovation.

Eirion Therapeutics, Inc. is a private clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to developing next-generation prescription products for aesthetic dermatology. It boasts a strong product lineup focusing on treatments for wrinkles, primary axillary hyperhidrosis, androgenic alopecia, and hair greying. Looking ahead, the company aims to address additional significant unmet clinical needs for both physicians and patients.