TLDR Three specific 4-azasteroid-2-oximes showed strong enzyme inhibition, but less than finasteride.
The study synthesized and evaluated the 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of various C21 steroids and 4-azasteroid derivatives. While all synthesized compounds were less active than finasteride, three 4-azasteroid-2-oximes (compounds 4, 6, and 8) demonstrated notable inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 26, 10, and 11 nM, respectively, outperforming their corresponding 4-azasteroid 20-ones. In contrast, derivatives with 3β-hydroxy, 3β-acetoxy, and epoxy substitutions showed no inhibition of the enzyme.
45 citations
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February 2005 in “Steroids” Four new compounds were more effective than finasteride in treating prostate issues and hair loss, with one being 100 times more active and safe for use.
42 citations
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May 2003 in “Mini-reviews in Medicinal Chemistry” New steroidal compounds could be effective for treating conditions related to 5α-reductase enzyme activity.
18 citations
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January 2002 in “Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin/Chemical and pharmaceutical bulletin” New pregnane derivatives were more effective than finasteride at inhibiting a key enzyme for male pattern baldness.
34 citations
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July 1993 in “PubMed” 
23 citations
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July 1993 in “Pharmacotherapy” Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and baldness, but may cause limited urinary improvement and sex-related side effects.
89 citations
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February 1993 in “Journal of Medicinal Chemistry” New compounds called benzoquinolinones may treat conditions linked to excess DHT.
November 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride 1 mg every other month works as well as daily dose for hair loss maintenance.
June 2019 in “Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics” Finasteride effectively treats hair loss and prostate issues with minimal side effects.
January 2013 in “China Medical Abstract of Dermatology” 
12 citations
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October 2004 in “PubMed” Finasteride, especially in a 1mg dose, effectively slows hair loss and improves hair growth in Japanese men with male pattern hair loss.
10 citations
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June 2001 in “PubMed” Finasteride is effective in growing hair and stopping hair loss in men with mild to moderate alopecia.
46 citations
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October 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride effectively treats male pattern hair loss with a 1 mg daily dose.
3 citations
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October 1995 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride helps treat skin issues like acne and baldness by blocking testosterone conversion.
