May 2026 in “ACS Catalysis” In this study, researchers using QM/MM simulations identified key molecular motions and residue interactions in the enzyme SRD5A2 that significantly influence its catalytic efficiency, demonstrating that specific residues play critical roles in stabilizing transition states and reducing activation barriers.
This review reports that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, used to treat androgenic alopecia, may adversely affect sperm count, sexual function, and hormones in a subset of patients.
April 2026 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors for hair loss don't increase heart risk.
This study identified distinct and significant adverse event patterns across different drug classes used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, confirming known risks and suggesting novel safety signals for further investigation.
This study analyzed the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System and found distinct safety signals and adverse event patterns among α1-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and tadalafil used in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, emphasizing known risks and identifying potential new ones that require further study.
March 2026 in “The Aging Male” This retrospective pharmacovigilance study reviewed adverse event reports from 2004 to 2025 for drugs treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, identifying distinct safety signals for α1-blockers, 5ARIs, and PDE5I, including some potential new adverse events that require further investigation.
March 2026 in “FEBS Open Bio” This study found that 5-aminolevulinic acid combined with ferric ammonium citrate stimulated hair follicle growth and induced hair-like structures in human hair follicle models, suggesting its potential as a treatment for hair loss.
March 2026 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)” This source describes alopecia as a hair loss condition often driven by genetic and androgenic factors, with lifestyle elements like chemical treatments exacerbating the issue; Ayurvedic texts caution against scalp toxins and suggest traditional formulations for support.
March 2026 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)” This study discusses the impact of alopecia on individuals' appearance and psychological well-being, highlighting how factors like genetics and lifestyle influence hair loss, and explores traditional Ayurvedic approaches for managing and promoting hair regrowth.
March 2026 in “Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research” In this study, the bark extract of Albizia saponaria was analyzed for its metabolites and potential anti-alopecia effects, identifying several compounds with predicted affinities for proteins involved in hair loss pathways.
March 2026 in “Journal of Clinical Oncology” In this study, pre-treatment with 5-α-reductase inhibitors (finasteride/dutasteride) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma was associated with better immune checkpoint inhibitor effectiveness and improved progression-free and overall survival, without increasing severe side effects.
March 2026 in “Journal of Aesthetic Nursing” This study suggests that neither autologous platelet-rich plasma nor 5% topical minoxidil reliably outperforms the other as a monotherapy for male androgenetic alopecia, with combination therapy often showing superior outcomes.
February 2026 in “Toxicology Letters” This study used an in silico/in vitro approach to identify potential inhibitors of the enzyme SRD5A2, finding that the androgen receptor modulator MK-0773 is a moderate inhibitor, although it does not act as a covalent inhibitor like finasteride.
February 2026 in “Postgraduate Medicine” This meta-analysis reports that 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are associated with a 31% increased risk of depression, with varying outcomes depending on the comparator group, highlighting significant heterogeneity across studies.
February 2026 in “Case Reports in Dermatology” This study reported two cases of finasteride-induced melasma, suggesting clinicians should consider 5-ARI exposure in patients with new-onset or persistent facial hyperpigmentation, especially in those with darker skin types.
This study suggests that 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester from African Yam bean seeds may inhibit the human 5α-reductase II enzyme, potentially helping manage BPH, although further studies are needed.
February 2026 in “Mendeley Data” Using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may lower prostate cancer risk in people with androgenetic alopecia.
January 2026 in “Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)” This study reported high analytical performance of an RMP for DHT quantification, with the ability to differentiate between 5α-DHT and 5β-DHT isomers, making it suitable for routine assay standardization and clinical sample evaluation.
January 2026 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)” This study reports the discovery of LX-38, a new high-affinity non-steroidal antagonist that could provide the therapeutic benefits of current BPH and AGA treatments without the hormonal side effects, utilizing a distinct "Orthogonal T-Stacking" scaffold for binding.
January 2026 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)” This study reports the discovery of LX-38, a novel non-steroidal drug candidate that may offer safer treatment for conditions like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by avoiding hormonal side effects associated with current therapies.
January 2026 in “Frontiers in Natural Products” This study found that combining shikimic acid with Prunus mume fruit extract significantly reduces type I 5α-reductase levels in testosterone-stressed skin sebocytes, surpassing the effects of shikimic acid or standard acne treatments alone, and shows promise for stable, non-irritating acne remedies in cosmetic formulations.
January 2026 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors do not increase osteoporosis risk in women with certain hair loss conditions.
January 2026 in “Dermatology Online Journal” Female-marketed minoxidil foam is more expensive than male-marketed, but generic and bulk options can reduce this gap.
January 2026 in “RSC Advances” The hydrogel helps heal wounds without scars by releasing two drugs gradually.
January 2026 in “Yonsei Medical Journal” Finasteride and dutasteride have little effect on Type 2 Diabetes risk.
January 2026 in “Figshare” In this case report, the researchers documented two instances of melasma linked to finasteride use, highlighting the need for clinicians to review medication history when treating facial hyperpigmentation, especially in individuals with darker skin types.
January 2026 in “Figshare” This paper reports two cases of finasteride-induced melasma, expanding the limited literature on this side effect, and underscores the importance of considering 5-ARI exposure in patients with new or persistent hyperpigmentation, especially among those with darker skin.
January 2026 in “Open Science Framework” In this study, network meta-analyses were used to explore the ranking of various 5-alpha reductase inhibitor regimens on reducing dihydrotestosterone levels and to investigate whether this reduction correlates with increased total hair density in male androgenetic alopecia.
January 2026 in “Dermatologic Therapy” This study reported that combining microneedling with 5% minoxidil solution was safe and effective for treating female pattern hair loss, with 90% of the 40 patients showing hair growth improvements over 12 weeks and no serious adverse reactions.
December 2025 in “International Neurourology Journal” This study examined the dementia risk in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia using alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, finding no significant association between these medications and increased dementia risk compared to no treatment, but noted higher risk probabilities for certain 5ARIs.