Prolactin Receptor Blockade May Promote Hair Growth via Follicular Stem Cell Activation

Blocking prolactin receptor (PRLR) signaling with the investigational antibody ABS-201 promoted hair follicle growth and stem cell activation in human male scalp skin models, according to preclinical data from Jérémy Chéret, PhD, MSc, at the South Beach Symposium.

The research evaluated the role of prolactin signaling in hair follicle cycling using ex vivo human scalp skin and hair follicle organ culture systems. Investigators reported that PRLR inhibition sustained anagen, reduced catagen induction, and increased markers of follicular proliferation.

Treatment with ABS-201 was associated with increased stem and progenitor cell preservation, reduced apoptosis within the hair follicle bulge, and upregulation of growth-promoting signaling pathways. These effects were accompanied by structural preservation of follicular architecture and enhanced hair shaft production in experimental models.

The poster authors suggested that prolactin acts as a negative regulator of hair growth and that targeted PRLR blockade may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for androgenetic alopecia. Based on these findings, ABS-201 is advancing into early-phase clinical development.

The authors concluded that prolactin receptor inhibition “promotes hair growth, stem cell preservation, and follicular integrity,” supporting further investigation in human trials.