Lilly-backed Absci raises $100m to advance ABS-201 endometriosis, hair loss trials
LLY•Absci secured $100m by selling 13.5m shares at $7.41 each, with Eli Lilly among investors, to fund ABS-201’s development in endometriosis and male pattern hair loss. First-in-human data show ABS-201’s favourable safety profile, 65-day half-life and no serious treatment-related adverse events, supporting Phase II and III plans.
1. Offering and Investor Participation
Absci raised $100 million by selling 13.495 million shares at $7.41 per unit, with Eli Lilly and BVF Partners among the prominent investors. The proceeds will finance ABS-201, an AI-designed anti-prolactin receptor antibody targeting endometriosis and male pattern hair loss.
2. Positive Phase I Safety and Pharmacokinetics
First-in-human data from the HEADLINE trial show ABS-201 was well tolerated with mostly mild adverse events and no treatment-related serious issues. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicates a half-life of at least 65 days, supporting infrequent dosing schedules.
3. Planned Phase II and Phase III Studies
Absci aims to initiate a global Phase II trial in endometriosis by end-2026 and, pending regulatory interactions, move to Phase III in male pattern hair loss by late 2027. The company expects the safety profile to differentiate ABS-201 from existing therapies by avoiding menopause-like side effects.
