ET-02 (Eirion Therapeutics)

ET-02 is a topical small molecule candidate developed by Eirion Therapeutics for the treatment of androgenic alopecia (age-related hair loss) and hair greying. It utilizes a novel, non-hormonal mechanism of action designed to restore the normal function of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) that have become inactive due to age-related biological defects. By reactivating these stem cells, which serve as the primary control switches for hair growth and pigmentation, ET-02 aims to stimulate hair regrowth and restore natural hair color. In a first-in-man clinical trial, a 5% topical solution of ET-02 demonstrated a six-fold increase in non-vellus hair count within five weeks. Because it does not rely on androgen inhibition, ET-02 is not expected to carry the systemic side effects associated with hormonal treatments like finasteride. Eirion has licensed the development and commercialization rights for ET-02 in the Chinese market to Shanghai Haohai Biological Technology.