CLAR-222

CLAR-222 is a topical small molecule androgen receptor (AR) antagonist that was under development by Clarus Therapeutics for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The drug was designed as a "soft" anti-androgen, intended to provide localized inhibition of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binding within the hair follicles of the scalp while being rapidly metabolized into inactive metabolites upon entering the bloodstream. This pharmacological profile was intended to mitigate the risk of systemic anti-androgenic side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or hormonal imbalances, which are common with systemic AR antagonists. Development of CLAR-222 was halted following the financial restructuring and bankruptcy of Clarus Therapeutics in 2022.