Experimental topical drug designed to break down androgen receptors
Topical androgen-receptor blocker, approved as an acne cream
a synthetic anti-androgen and weak progestogen that inhibits DHT binding to androgen receptor
- How is Fluridil different from other DHT blockers like finasteride? Fluridil is a topical androgen-receptor blocker applied to the scalp, while finasteride is an oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that lowers DHT throughout the body. Finasteride is FDA-approved and far better studied; Fluridil rests on one 43-man trial and is not licensed as a hair-loss medicine, so its long-term safety and effect size are unknown.
Nonsteroidal anti-androgen, originally a prostate cancer drug
- Can bicalutamide stop DHT from shrinking your hair follicles? Bicalutamide blocks androgens at the receptor rather than lowering DHT, and some dermatologists prescribe it off-label for women with pattern hair loss, although its US label says it should not be used in women. The one randomised trial (74 women, 2025) found it added no benefit to oral minoxidil, and the drug needs liver monitoring because its label warns of severe and fatal liver injury; it is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Experimental topical anti-androgen, also known as KX-826