New 5α-Reductase Inhibitors: In Vitro and In Vivo Effects

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.