TLDR 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.
In 2005, researchers synthesized six new steroidal compounds and tested them as potential 5α-reductase inhibitors, which could help treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia. The compounds were assessed in vitro using enzymes from human and hamster prostate tissues and in vivo by observing prostate weight reduction in hamsters. Four compounds (5, 7, 9, 10) exhibited higher inhibitory activity than finasteride, with compound 5 showing significant prostate weight reduction in hamsters, comparable to finasteride, and no toxic effects at the doses used. Compound 5 was found to be 100 times more active than finasteride and is considered a promising candidate for clinical evaluation due to its effectiveness and safety profile.
42 citations,
May 2003 in “Mini-reviews in Medicinal Chemistry” New steroidal compounds could be effective for treating conditions related to 5α-reductase enzyme activity.
20 citations,
January 2003 in “Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin” The new progesterone derivatives effectively inhibit 5α-reductase and bind to the androgen receptor.
20 citations,
February 2002 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents” New research is needed to create better drugs that block the enzyme responsible for conditions like male baldness and prostate enlargement.
22 citations,
January 2001 in “Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin” Some new progesterone derivatives are better at blocking testosterone conversion than a common drug.
64 citations,
June 1995 in “Steroids” Inhibitors of the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase could potentially treat disorders like prostate cancer and baldness.
1040 citations,
October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.
45 citations,
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.
20 citations,
January 2003 in “Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin” The new progesterone derivatives effectively inhibit 5α-reductase and bind to the androgen receptor.
12 citations,
April 1995 in “Journal of Medicinal Chemistry” The new compounds moderately block a specific enzyme and strongly counteract a male hormone, suggesting potential for treating certain male-related health conditions.
30 citations,
August 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.
