It is necessary to keep in mind that FGF5 inhibitors target not...

It is necessary to keep in mind that FGF5 inhibitors target not the hair but the growth cycle of follicles in the dermal layer of the skin. To be effective this requires that the inhibitor be continually present throughout the various cycle phases of each individual follicle.

For humans this is achieved by rubbing a few drops of evolis tonic ($50 per 50ml) on a relatively small skin surface area twice each day.

A similar localised application approach obviously would not be practical for sheep. Limitations would derive from the need for whole body application, restricted access to the skin surface through the thick fleece layer with associated wastage, and the need for daily treatment. Under this external protocol the quantities of inhibitor required clearly would be prohibitive from aspects of both cost and availability.

Assuming issues of both cost and toxicity were to allow it, the only practical option that I can think of would be inclusion of the inhibitor as a feedstock additive. Since FGF5s is a protein this could be a possibility, and it may be what Kikkoman had in mind for their product. This however would fall well outside Cellmid's IP protected product range.