ET 02: Can This Topical Treatment Reverse Hair Loss and Graying?
ET 02, a novel investigational therapy from Eirion Therapeutics [1], may represent a potentially substantial advancement in the treatment of androgenic alopecia and hair graying. With a novel mechanism of action, ET 02 seeks to restore both normal function of hair follicle stem cells and the production of hair color, making it one of the most promising new entrants in innovative aesthetic prescription product offerings.
Unlike traditional androgen inhibition treatments or topical minoxidil, ET 02 operates through targeted stem cell biology—rejuvenating dormant follicles and stimulating melanocytes. The therapy is currently being evaluated in investigational sites across the United States, led by Dr. Jon Edelson, President of Eirion, [1] and overseen by Dr. Jerry Shapiro, professor of dermatology at New York University Grossman School of Medicine.
In essence, ET-02 functions more as an anti aging agent for the follicle.
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What Is ET 02?
Hair aging is a natural process where hair follicles gradually produce thinner, slower-growing, and less pigmented hair over time. This occurs due to a combination of genetic factors, decreased melanocyte activity (leading to graying), reduced blood flow to the scalp, and diminished stem cell renewal in the follicle. The result is graying, hair thinning, and sometimes permanent hair loss.
ET 02 is a topical small molecule therapy [1] intended to restore normal activity in both the hair follicle’s growth cycle and pigment-producing melanocytes. Unlike available pharmaceuticals, ET 02 does not rely on hormonal suppression or androgen blocking for successful results. Instead, it addresses human scalp tissue at the cellular level by reactivating the very cells responsible for hair growth and color.
In the clinical study, participants followed a day treatment protocol, applying ET 02 daily in a day regimen format. [2] Early reports indicate improvements in hair width, net rate of hair growth, and amount of hair observed by the fourth month of treatment. These findings position ET 02 as a truly effective treatment candidate with fewer reported side effects and no associated sexual dysfunction, unlike older hormonal therapies for androgenetic alopecia.
ET 02 in Eirion’s Broader Pipeline
ET 02 is part of Eirion’s strategic roadmap for dermatologic innovation, according to their published development pipeline. [3]
ET 02 is a lead candidate in Eirion Therapeutics’ broader clinical pipeline, which focuses on innovative small molecule therapies for dermatologic and aesthetic conditions. While ET 02 is being developed primarily for androgenic alopecia and hair graying, the company has indicated that the same core technology may extend to other indications involving melanocyte and follicular stem cell biology. According to Eirion, the ET platform could also be used in future therapies for pigmentation disorders, scalp health, and potentially other regenerative dermatologic applications which mechanistically work in a similar manner.
Clinical Trial Results
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 clinical study involving 24 participants across three investigational sites in the U.S., participants received either a control treatment, a 1.25% ET 02 solution, or a 5% ET 02 solution once a day for four weeks. A final assessment was conducted one week later.
Key results included:
- 6-fold increase in non-vellus hair count in the 5% ET 02 group compared to placebo
- 10% improvement in non-vellus hair width over the placebo group
- No serious adverse effects; the therapy was safe, well-tolerated, and did not cause hormonal or sexual side effects
- Greater hair growth after 5 weeks than 4 months of topical minoxidil, based on comparisons with a separate clinical trial of minoxidil (N=180)
These results support earlier preclinical data in which ET 02 produced significantly higher hair growth than minoxidil using an experimental graft model with 60 human scalp tissue samples. [2]
Dr Shapiro remarked, “Achieving this amount of hair growth in just 5 weeks in a clinical trial is unprecedented. ET 02 represents a potentially substantial advancement over minoxidil and other commercially available pharmaceuticals.”
Eirion CEO Dr. Jon Edelson added that the therapy could potentially prevent hair loss and treat graying by restoring melanocyte function. A Phase 2 trial with 150 patients is set to launch in 2025.
How ET 02 Compares to TR6 and PP405
While ET 02, TR6, and PP405 all target androgenic alopecia, their approaches differ:
- ET 02 restores the normal function of dormant hair follicle and melanocyte stem cells. Eirion Biopharmaceutical company
- PP405 targets mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism to stimulate stem cell activity. Pelage Pharmaceuticals.
- TR6, from AlviArmani, is a non-pharmaceutical botanical complex that works through multi-pathway support including inflammation reduction, vascular optimization, and follicular stimulation. AlviArmani Research Institute.
ET 02 vs. PP405 vs. TR6: Comparative Overview
| Feature | ET 02 | PP405 | TR6™ (AlviArmani) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | Eirion Therapeutics (Dr. Jon Edelson) | Pelage Pharmaceuticals | AlviArmani Research Institute |
| Delivery Method | Topical | Topical | Topical + Injectable (clinical & consumer use) |
| Mechanism of Action | Reactivates follicular + melanocyte stem cells | Inhibits mitochondrial pyruvate carrier | Botanical modulation of scalp and follicular pathways |
| Targets Hair Loss | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Targets Hair Graying | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ Indirect antioxidant support |
| Clinical Phase | Concluded Phase 1 (U.S. sites) | Phase 2a | OTC |
| Safety (Sexual Side Effects) | No dysfunction reported | No hormonal impact | No systemic risk |
| Trial Comparator | Placebo + minoxidil baseline (separate trial) | Placebo- control group | Internal clinical performance metrics |
| Available Today? | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Holistic Options While ET 02 Develops
While ET 02 shows great promise, TR6 is available now. It’s clinically validated and used in combination with exosomes and Vitruvian FUE™ for patients seeking immediate results without waiting for FDA approval.
Check out this primary research study on the efficacy of various exosome manufacturers —>
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to explore a personalized plan for hair restoration the gold standard is AlviArmani. Book a consultation with AlviArmani today for a personalized assesment. Our team integrates the latest scientific advances with precision artistry to deliver powerful, personalized results.
Recent Clinical Trials For Hair Loss
| Company | Status | Notes |
| Pelage Pharmaceuticals | Ongoing | PP405, Phase 2, targets dormant hair follicle stem cells |
| Veradermics | Ongoing | VDPHL01, Phase 2/3, oral non-hormonal treatment |
| Eirion Therapeutics | Ongoing | Topical therapy with strong early trial results, Phase 1 |
| Amplifica | Ongoing | Novel molecules to stimulate hair follicle growth |
| RepliCel Life Sciences | Ongoing | Autologous cell therapies for hair restoration |
| Kintor Pharmaceutical | Mixed | Pyrilutamide, mixed results in Phase 3 trials |
| Eli Lilly and Incyte | Approved | Baricitinib, FDA-approved for alopecia areata |
| Pfizer | Approved | Litfulo (ritlecitinib), FDA-approved for alopecia areata |
| Allergan / AbbVie | Failed | Setipiprant failed in Phase 2A trial |
| Aclaris Therapeutics | Failed | Topical for alopecia areata failed in Phase 2 |
| Kintor Pharmaceutical | Failed | Pyrilutamide underperformed in Phase 3 |
| Biosplice Therapeutics | Failed | Dalosirvat discontinued after poor Phase 3 results |
| Q32 Bio | Failed | Bempikibart failed to show efficacy |
| Intercytex / Aderans | Failed | Hair cloning therapies discontinued due to insufficient results |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is ET 02 FDA-approved for hair loss?
No, ET 02 is not yet FDA-approved. It has completed a successful Phase 1 clinical trial and is expected to enter Phase 2 in 2025. The treatment is still investigational and not available for public use.
2. How does ET 02 compare to minoxidil?
In clinical trials, the 5% ET 02 solution showed significantly better results than minoxidil. After just 5 weeks, ET 02 produced more terminal hair growth than minoxidil did after 4 months, based on separate trial comparisons [2].
3. Does ET 02 have any side effects?
ET 02 was found to be safe and well-tolerated in its Phase 1 trial. Unlike finasteride, it showed no hormonal impact or sexual side effects, thanks to its non-hormonal mechanism of action [2].
4. Can ET 02 also treat hair graying?
Yes, early data suggests that ET 02 may help reverse or prevent hair graying by reactivating melanocyte stem cells responsible for hair pigmentation. This makes ET 02 a dual-action candidate for both hair loss and graying [1].
Citations
- Eirion Therapeutics. “Eirion Therapeutics Announces Potential Breakthrough Treatment for Hair Loss Based on First-in-Man Clinical Trial Results.” January 8, 2025.
- Bosslett, M. “ICYMI: Eirion ET-02’s Successful Phase 1 Trial Results for Androgenic Alopecia Treatment.”Dermatology Times. April 2025. Link
- Eirion Therapeutics. “Pipeline Overview – Eirion Therapeutics.” Accessed May 2025. Bosslett, M. “ICYMI: Eirion ET-02’s Successful Phase 1 Trial Results for Androgenic Alopecia Treatment.” Dermatology Times. April 2025. Link