Activity of 17β-(N-Alkyl/Arylformamido) and 17β-[(N-Alkyl/Aryl) Alkyl/Arylamido]-4-Methyl-4-Aza-5α-Androstan-3-Ones as 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in the Hamster Flank Organ and Ear

In 1998, a study was conducted on Golden Syrian hamsters to test the inhibitory effect of certain compounds on 5α-reductase, an enzyme linked to hair loss and alopecia. The compounds, including EM-401, EM-402, and EM-540, were found to be potent inhibitors of this enzyme. Specifically, EM-402 significantly reduced the size of treated flank organs and underlying sebaceous glands when applied topically. The study concluded that these compounds, particularly EM-402, could potentially be used for topical treatment of conditions related to 5α-reductase activity, such as hair loss and alopecia.