Updated: January 25, 2026

What Is Klisyri? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Author

Peter Daggett

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What Is Klisyri?
What Is Klisyri Used For?
Who Should Use Klisyri?
How Effective Is Klisyri?
How Do You Use Klisyri? Step-by-Step Dosing Instructions
Important Safety Information

Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is the only 5-day topical treatment for actinic keratosis. Here's everything you need to know about this FDA-approved medication in 2026.

Klisyri is a prescription topical ointment that has changed the treatment landscape for actinic keratosis (AK). As the only FDA-approved topical AK treatment with a 5-day application course, it represents a significant convenience advantage over older treatments. Here's a comprehensive overview of what Klisyri is, how it works, who it's for, and how to use it correctly.

What Is Klisyri?

Klisyri is the brand name for tirbanibulin 1% ointment. It was developed as a first-in-class dual inhibitor of tubulin polymerization and Src kinase signaling, and received FDA approval on December 14, 2020. Almirall, LLC (Malvern, PA) is the current manufacturer and distributor in the United States.

Klisyri comes as a white to off-white ointment in single-use packets. It is available in two packet sizes:

250 mg packets (2.5 mg tirbanibulin) — for treatment areas up to 25 cm²

350 mg packets (3.5 mg tirbanibulin) — for treatment areas up to 100 cm² (approved June 2024)

What Is Klisyri Used For?

Klisyri is FDA-approved for the topical field treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) on the face or scalp in adults. Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition caused by years of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. It appears as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin and, if untreated, can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

The term "field treatment" refers to treating an entire area of sun-damaged skin — not just individual visible lesions — to address both visible AK spots and subclinical (not yet visible) damaged cells in the surrounding area.

Who Should Use Klisyri?

Klisyri is approved for adults with AK on the face or scalp. It is NOT approved for:

Children or adolescents under 18 years of age

AK on other body areas (arms, legs, chest) — only face and scalp

Active skin cancer (it is for pre-cancerous AK, not invasive skin cancer)

Patients with skin in the treatment area that has not healed from previous AK treatment, procedure, or surgery

How Effective Is Klisyri?

The FDA approved Klisyri based on results from two Phase 3 clinical trials involving 702 adults with AK on the face or scalp. Key efficacy results at day 57:

Trial 1: 44% complete clearance vs. 5% for vehicle control

Trial 2: 54% complete clearance vs. 13% for vehicle control

Partial clearance: 68–76% of patients achieved at least 75% reduction in AK lesion count

How Do You Use Klisyri? Step-by-Step Dosing Instructions

Klisyri is applied once daily for 5 consecutive days. Here is how to use it correctly:

Wash the treatment area gently with mild soap and water. Pat dry.

Open one single-use packet. Apply the ointment evenly to cover the entire treatment field on the face or scalp (up to 100 cm²).

Wash hands immediately with soap and water after application.

Do NOT wash or touch the treated area for approximately 8 hours after application.

After 8 hours, the area may be washed with a mild soap.

Discard the packet after each use, even if some ointment remains.

Repeat once daily for a total of 5 days. Do NOT repeat the course unless directed by your doctor.

Important Safety Information

Do NOT apply near or around the eyes, mouth, or lips

Do NOT cover with a bandage or dressing — this increases irritation risk

Not for use in pregnancy — animal studies showed fetal harm at high doses

Store at room temperature (68-77°F) — do NOT refrigerate or freeze

For side effect details, see our full guide: Klisyri Side Effects: What to Expect. If you're having trouble filling your prescription, medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Klisyri (tirbanibulin) 1% ointment is FDA-approved for the topical field treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) on the face or scalp in adults. Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition caused by chronic UV radiation exposure. Klisyri is applied once daily for 5 consecutive days to the affected area.

Treated areas of actinic keratosis can start to look better about 8 days after starting Klisyri. Full results are typically seen by day 57 (about 8 weeks after starting treatment), when clinical trials measured complete clearance rates of 44–54%. Side effects typically begin improving within 2 weeks of completing the 5-day course.

No. Klisyri is only FDA-approved for use on the face or balding scalp. It is not approved for actinic keratosis on other body areas such as the arms, hands, legs, or chest. Talk to your dermatologist about alternative treatments if you have AK on other body areas.

No. While Klisyri targets cell division similarly to some chemotherapy agents (by inhibiting microtubule formation), it is a topical ointment applied only to the skin's surface. Systemic absorption is minimal. It is not an oral or intravenous chemotherapy medication. Klisyri is classified as a topical antineoplastic.

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