Clascoterone 5% Shows Promising Phase 3 Results for Hair Growth

Cosmo Pharmaceuticals has announced encouraging phase 3 clinical-trial data for a topical 5% clascoterone solution aimed at treating certain forms of hair loss. While the treatment is not yet available in the UK, the results are attracting global interest from dermatologists, trichologists, and the wider haircare community watching for new, evidence-based options to support people living with alopecia and androgenetic hair loss.

What Is Clascoterone and Why Does It Matter for Hair?

Clascoterone is a topical anti-androgen — in very simple terms, a molecule designed to interfere locally with the action of certain hormones on the skin. It has already appeared in dermatology conversations due to its use in acne treatments, but its potential in hair growth is newer and still being evaluated.

In the context of androgenetic alopecia (often called male- or female-pattern hair loss), many current prescription options revolve around altering hormonal signalling or blood flow to the hair follicle. Clascoterone is being studied as a way to act more locally at the skin level, rather than systemically. For those in the UK who follow hair-science news, this adds to a growing pipeline of topical treatments that may, in time, sit alongside existing dermatologist-prescribed options.

It is important to stress that clascoterone 5% solution for hair growth is still under investigation and is not part of routine UK NHS care. Any eventual UK use would depend on licensing decisions, long-term safety data, and guidance from regulatory bodies.

Inside the Phase 3 Trial: What Do “Strong Results” Actually Mean?

Cosmo Pharmaceuticals reports that its phase 3 study of clascoterone 5% solution showed statistically significant improvement in hair growth for participants with alopecia compared with control groups. While the full dataset, including exact percentages and subgroup analyses, is typically published in specialist medical outlets, some broad features of phase 3 hair-growth trials help explain why these findings are being described as promising.

• Large, controlled design: Phase 3 trials usually involve a higher number of participants than earlier phases, and compare the active treatment with a placebo or standard therapy in a structured way.
• Objective hair measurements: Researchers often use standardised scalp photographs, hair counts in defined target areas, and sometimes phototrichograms to monitor changes in hair density and thickness over time.
• Symptom and satisfaction scores: Participants may be asked about their perception of shedding, fullness, and overall satisfaction — valuable because hair loss is as much about confidence and psychological impact as it is about numbers.
• Safety tracking: Phase 3 trials closely watch for skin irritation, shedding changes, and any systemic effects, particularly important for treatments that modulate hormonal pathways.

Based on the company’s announcement, clascoterone 5% demonstrated a positive balance of efficacy and tolerability under trial conditions. However, independent peer review, longer follow-ups, and real-world data are all needed before hair professionals in the UK can fully understand how it might sit alongside existing hair-loss regimens.

If you’re living with thinning hair now, the practical step today is to seek a personalised assessment — for example, with a GP, dermatologist, or qualified trichologist — rather than waiting for an emerging treatment that has not yet reached clinics.

How Could This Affect Future Hair-Loss Care in the UK?

The UK haircare landscape is already in the midst of change. Clients are more informed, stylists are increasingly educated about scalp health, and there is growing collaboration between salons, trichology clinics, and dermatology services. A potential new topical option like clascoterone 5% could, if eventually approved and adopted, fit into several trends already underway.

• More targeted regimens: Many stylists and specialists now talk about layered approaches — combining gentle cleansing, scalp-focused care, cosmetic thickening products, and, where appropriate, prescription therapies. A new topical anti-androgen might offer another targeted layer for certain patients under medical supervision.
• Demand for non-invasive options: Some clients are hesitant about systemic medications or surgical routes. Topical solutions applied directly to the scalp, if proven effective and safe, can feel less intimidating.
• Better integration between beauty and dermatology: As research continues, brands like Hairporium aim to stay informed so they can offer realistic guidance, support protective styling choices, and help clients care for the hair they have while seeking clinical advice for treatment.

From a day-to-day perspective, UK readers shouldn’t change their current routines on the basis of early data alone. Instead, keep an eye on trustworthy sources — dermatology journals, NHS guidance, and professional hair platforms — and, if hair loss is impacting your confidence, talk to a qualified professional about options already available.

What People With Alopecia Should Keep in Mind Right Now

While headlines about phase 3 trials are exciting, they can also be emotionally charged, particularly for anyone who has tried multiple treatments with limited success. It may help to place clascoterone 5% within a broader, more holistic picture of hair and scalp care.

• Evidence is still emerging: Even with strong phase 3 outcomes, long-term performance, accessibility, and cost remain unknown until regulators and health systems review the data.
• Responses vary: Many dermatologists emphasise that no single treatment works for everyone. Genetics, type of alopecia, hormones, and lifestyle factors can all influence results.
• Supportive routines matter: While medical treatments are assessed, everyday habits — gentle detangling, low-tension styles, heat protection, and scalp-friendly cleansing — continue to play a meaningful role in how your hair looks and feels.
• Holistic support is valuable: Talking therapies, support groups, or simply sharing experiences with trusted friends can make the emotional side of hair loss easier to navigate.

For a practical next step, consider booking a professional consultation to get a clear diagnosis, then building a realistic plan that may include lifestyle changes, cosmetic solutions, and, where appropriate, clinically supported treatments already on the market.

Key Takeaways

• Cosmo Pharmaceuticals has reported promising phase 3 results for a topical clascoterone 5% solution aimed at improving hair growth in people with alopecia.
• The treatment is not yet available in routine UK practice, and further peer-reviewed data, regulatory review, and long-term safety information are still needed.
• Clascoterone is a topical anti-androgen designed to act locally on the skin, adding to a pipeline of emerging options that may one day sit alongside current hair-loss therapies.
• UK readers should not alter their routines based on early news alone; instead, seek personalised guidance from a GP, dermatologist, or trichologist if hair loss is a concern.
• In the meantime, gentle, evidence-aware haircare practices and realistic expectations remain central to maintaining confidence and scalp comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is clascoterone 5% available for hair loss treatment in the UK?
At the time of writing, clascoterone 5% solution for hair growth remains under clinical investigation and is not part of standard NHS hair-loss treatment. Any future UK use would depend on regulatory approval and professional guidance.

What type of hair loss is clascoterone 5% being studied for?
The phase 3 data announced by Cosmo Pharmaceuticals relate to alopecia, with particular interest in androgen-related hair loss. Full details are typically shared in specialist dermatology publications, so it is wise to consult a clinician for precise information.

Does this mean current treatments like existing topical or oral options are outdated?
No. Existing evidence-based treatments remain the mainstay of care until new options are thoroughly evaluated and approved. Many dermatologists favour a tailored approach that may combine lifestyle changes, topical products, and prescription therapies.

Can I ask my GP or dermatologist for clascoterone now?
In the UK, you generally cannot access an investigational product outside formal clinical-study settings unless a specific, regulated scheme exists. Discuss your concerns with your GP or dermatologist, who can explain what is currently available and appropriate.

What should I do if I’m noticing increased shedding recently?
Try to note how long the shedding has been happening, any recent stressors, dietary shifts, or new medications, and then seek professional advice. Many stylists recommend gentle detangling, reduced heat, and low-tension styles while you await assessment.

How can brands like Hairporium help if they cannot prescribe treatments?
While Hairporium does not offer medical treatment, it can support you with education on gentle haircare, protective styling practices, and realistic expectations, helping you care for the hair you have while working with clinical experts.