Absci Stock Rises 36% on Positive Hair Loss Trial Data and $100M Offering Backed by Eli Lilly

Absci Corporation (ABSI) stock rose 36% on Wednesday following the company's announcement of positive early-stage results from its HEADLINE clinical trial for ABS-201, an experimental hair loss drug, and the pricing of a $100 million stock offering. The underwritten offering priced approximately 13.5 million shares at $7.41 each, with major investors including Eli Lilly & Company, Adage, BVF Partners, Columbia Threadneedle, Invus, and Redmile participating.

In the trial's initial phase, ABS-201 demonstrated strong tolerability in healthy volunteers with no serious side effects reported. The drug showed long-lasting presence in the body, suggesting patients may require only a few injections per year. The study has advanced to testing in patients with pattern hair loss, with initial proof-of-concept data expected in the second half of 2026 and more complete results anticipated in early 2027. Absci is also developing ABS-201 for endometriosis treatment.