Local and Systemic Reduction by Topical Finasteride or Flutamide of Hamster Flank Organ Size and Enzyme Activity

The study investigated the effects of topical finasteride and flutamide on hamster flank organ size and enzyme activity. Both drugs caused a reduction in the size of the sebaceous glands and enzyme activity in the flank organs, with flutamide having a more potent effect. The study suggests that locally effective anti-androgens or androgen antagonists would be of major interest in treating common diseases associated with excess androgens, such as acne, seborrhea, hirsutism, and androgenic alopecia. The study also found that both finasteride and flutamide had significant systemic effects after topical skin administration in relatively small amounts.