siRNA for Hair Health at Bauman Medical: What You Need to Know about CosmeRNA and SAMiRNA

Silencing the Signals Behind Thinning Hair

At Bauman Medical, our goal is to match each patient with the right tools at the right time. Small interfering RNA, or siRNA, is one of the most promising new tools for addressing the root drivers of androgenetic alopecia, often called male or female pattern hair loss. One siRNA-based cosmetic that has generated global interest is CosmeRNA, which contains SAMiRNA-AR68, a self-assembled micelle siRNA designed to dial down androgen receptor activity inside hair follicles [Yun, 2022].

Quick summary

• What it is: siRNA is a short RNA that tells cells to temporarily “turn down” a specific gene, in this case the androgen receptor that mediates the effects of DHT on vulnerable follicles [Yun, 2022; Moon, 2022].
• How it works: SAMiRNA packages siRNA into tiny micelles that help it reach follicle cells in the scalp. Once inside, it recruits the cell’s RNA-interference machinery to reduce androgen receptor protein production [Yun, 2022].
• What the early studies show: In a randomized, double-blind study, weekly topical application of SAMiRNA-AR68 at 5 mg/mL for 24 weeks increased total hair counts and showed comparable hair count gains to published finasteride data, with favorable tolerability in the study population [Yun, 2022].
• Regulatory status: CosmeRNA is marketed as a cosmetic in the EU and UK through CPNP and SCPN notification pathways. It is not an FDA-approved drug. Availability varies by region [Bioneer, 2024; CosmeRNA, 2024].

What is siRNA, and how is SAMiRNA different?

siRNA molecules guide a protein complex in your cells to find a matching messenger RNA and degrade it. For hair loss, the target is often the androgen receptor (AR), which, when activated by DHT, pushes susceptible follicles toward thinning and miniaturization [Moon, 2022; Yun, 2022].

SAMiRNA stands for Self-Assembled Micelle inhibitory RNA. The siRNA strands are chemically engineered so they self-assemble into nano-sized micelles. These micelles improve stability and skin penetration, helping more of the active RNA reach the follicle cells where it can work [Yun, 2022; Jin, 2024].

CosmeRNA siRNA technology for androgenetic alopecia targets the androgen receptor.

What is CosmeRNA?

CosmeRNA is a topical cosmetic formulation that contains SAMiRNA-AR68 (“AR68”) as the key active. The formulation was designed to be applied to the scalp periodically after shampooing. Company communications indicate EU and UK cosmetic notifications are complete and that the product has been introduced at various professional meetings. Because it is regulated as a cosmetic in those regions, it is marketed for hair care and scalp appearance rather than as a drug to treat disease [CosmeRNA, 2024; Bioneer, 2024].

What does the peer-reviewed science say?

• A Scientific Reports study evaluated SAMiRNA-AR68 in two randomized, double-blind trials.
  • Low-dose cohort: 0.5 mg/mL applied three times weekly for 24 weeks increased hair counts versus baseline.
  • High-dose cohort: 5 mg/mL once weekly for 24 weeks led to significant increases in total hair counts versus baseline and versus placebo, and photographic assessments improved. Adverse events were uncommon, with one subject reporting transient local irritation that investigators considered only slightly related [Yun, 2022].
• The authors compared the magnitude of hair count change from weekly high-dose SAMiRNA over 16 to 24 weeks with historical finasteride data and described the result as comparable, while emphasizing the convenience of weekly dosing in their study design [Yun, 2022]. Real-world head-to-head data are not yet available.
• Independent academic work with asymmetric siRNA targeting AR supports the biological rationale. In mice and ex vivo human follicles, AR-targeting siRNA reduced AR expression and mitigated DHT-linked signaling changes associated with miniaturization [Moon, 2022].
• Recent reviews summarize delivery strategies for topical siRNA to hair follicles and highlight SAMiRNA-AR68 among the most advanced approaches in dermatologic RNA interference [Jin, 2024; Sufianov, 2023].

Bottom line: Early and mid-stage data are encouraging, particularly for the convenience of weekly dosing. Larger, longer, and ethnically diverse trials, ideally head-to-head with approved drugs, are still needed. [Yun, 2022; Jin, 2024].

How could siRNA fit into your Bauman Medical plan?

We create a personalized plan that addresses diagnosis, stabilization, and regrowth, then monitors progress over time. siRNA-based options may be considered for appropriate candidates as part of a multimodal strategy:

• With finasteride or dutasteride: Patients who tolerate 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may still benefit from additional local AR down-regulation at the follicle level. Others who do not tolerate systemic therapy might discuss siRNA-based options as a non-systemic alternative concept, subject to availability and regional regulations [Yun, 2022; Jin, 2024].
• With minoxidil: Minoxidil supports follicle cycling and caliber through separate pathways. Combining mechanistically distinct approaches is often synergistic in comprehensive care [Jin, 2024].
• With low-level laser therapy (LLLT): Laser therapy optimizes scalp microcirculation and cellular energy support. It can complement molecular approaches during long-term maintenance.
• With regenerative therapies (PRP, exosomes, TED, FoLix, etc.): Biologic signals and growth factors can improve scalp environment and hair fiber quality while other tools address hormonal drivers.
• With hair transplantation: Transplants redistributes permanent follicles for coverage. siRNA and adjuncts can help protect native hair and maintain the result.
• Lifestyle and nutritionals: Sleep, stress management, and targeted nutraceuticals round out a holistic program that supports scalp and follicle health.

Your precise protocol and the inclusion of siRNA options depend on diagnostic imaging and measurements at intake, your medical history, and your goals. Our team will outline timing, expected timelines for changes in shedding or caliber, and how we will track progress with tools like HairMetrix, HairCam, and HairCheck.

Safety, tolerability, and what we still do not know

• In the Scientific Reports trials, weekly 5 mg/mL SAMiRNA-AR68 was generally well tolerated over 24 weeks, with one transient local skin reaction noted and no systemic adverse effects reported in the cohort [Yun, 2022].
• Because siRNA acts locally and does not alter DNA, its effects are reversible as the RNA degrades. Long-term safety and rare event detection require larger and longer studies across diverse populations [Jin, 2024].
• CosmeRNA’s current positioning as a cosmetic in parts of Europe means claims are framed around appearance and hair care, not treatment of disease. Availability, labeling, and claims can differ by country and may change over time [CosmeRNA, 2024; Bioneer, 2024].

FAQs

Is siRNA “gene therapy”?
No. siRNA does not edit DNA. It temporarily reduces specific protein production by degrading matching messenger RNA. Effects wear off without repeated use [Yun, 2022].

Will siRNA replace finasteride or dutasteride?
For some, siRNA may be discussed as an alternative concept if systemic therapy is not desired or not tolerated. For others, it may be one piece of a combination plan. Decisions are individualized during consultation. Because siRNA is a relatively new technology, it is generally NOT considered a “first-line” approach.

How often is it used in studies?
The strongest published results to date used once-weekly application of 5 mg/mL SAMiRNA-AR68 for 24 weeks in a controlled trial setting [Yun, 2022]. 

Is CosmeRNA available in the United States?
CosmeRNA’s regulatory status and availability vary by region. It is notified as a cosmetic in the EU and UK. Patients should confirm current availability and regulations for their location. We will review options during your consultation [CosmeRNA, 2024; Bioneer, 2024].

PHOTO: Dr. Alan Bauman received some of the first CosmeRNA topical solution in the US in 2023.

Our approach at Bauman Medical

1. Precise diagnosis and baseline: Trichology assessment and imaging to map miniaturization and density.
2. Personalized plan: We prioritize treatments by mechanism and your goals, including medical, device, regenerative, and surgical options.
3. Follow-through and tracking: Regular measurements guide adjustments so you stay on track.

If you are curious whether siRNA, including AR-targeting options, is right for you, schedule a comprehensive hair loss evaluation. We will discuss the benefits, limitations, and how this technology could be integrated into your care.

Inline citations used above

• [Yun, 2022]
  
• [Moon, 2022]
  
• [Jin, 2024]
  
• [Sufianov, 2023]
  
• [CosmeRNA, 2024]
  
• [Bioneer, 2024]

References and further reading

• Yun S-D, et al. Weekly treatment with SAMiRNA targeting the androgen receptor ameliorates androgenetic alopecia. Scientific Reports. 2022. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-05544-w
• Moon IJ, et al. Efficacy of Asymmetric siRNA Targeting Androgen Receptors for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Molecular Pharmaceutics. 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36352823
• Jin S-E, Sung J-H. Delivery Strategies of siRNA Therapeutics for Hair Loss Therapy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/14/7612
• Sufianov AA, et al. Advances in transdermal siRNAs delivery: A review focused on skin disorders. Front Pharmacol. 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10234834/
• CosmeRNA, company website. Accessed 2024–2025. https://www.cosmerna.com/en-us/pages/our-story and https://www.cosmerna.com/en-us/pages/faq CosmeRNA+1
• Maeil Business News Korea. “Bioneer… expand the supply of hair loss clinics…” Nov 26, 2024. https://www.mk.co.kr/en/stock/11178054

Important notes

• siRNA-based cosmetics and therapeutics are an evolving field. Published data currently support short- to mid-term improvements in hair counts and scalp appearance in study settings.
• Not all patients will respond, and consistency matters. Effects are maintained only with ongoing use.
• We always favor evidence, safety, and personalization. During your visit, we will explore where siRNA fits among proven options like prescription medications, LLLT, regenerative therapies, and FUE transplantation, and we will recommend a plan that fits your needs and timeline.

Ready to explore your options? Contact Bauman Medical to schedule your evaluation.

*Each individual's treatment and/or results may vary

If you or someone you know has hair loss, hair thinning, baldness, or eyebrow / eyelash concerns, click to start either a long-distance virtual consultation OR an in-person, in-office consultation with Dr. Bauman. You can also Ask Dr. Bauman a Question or simply call Bauman Medical Group  at +1-561-394-0024.