Finasteride: Scientific Profile
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Selective inhibitor of the 5α-reductase type II enzyme for research, used to modulate the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in experimental models of androgenic signaling.
Finasteride is a synthetic compound of 4-azasteroid structure that acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase type II, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing peripheral testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In the research field, this compound is fundamental for studying androgen-mediated pathophysiology, allowing researchers to isolate the specific effects of DHT versus baseline testosterone in various tissues of interest.
Administration of this inhibitor in controlled laboratory settings demonstrates a significant reduction in serum and intracellular levels of DHT, which allows observation of the modulation of the follicular cycle and the morphology of the accessory glands in study subjects. Research with finasteride extends to the biology of hair development and the homeostasis of glandular tissue, providing data on hormonal regulation and the gene expression of androgen receptors.
This compound is classified strictly for laboratory use. The scientific literature highlights its usefulness in protocols that require the technical suppression of secondary androgens without abolishing testosterone signaling, facilitating the understanding of androgenic mechanisms at the molecular and cellular level.
Mechanism of action
It acts through the competitive and irreversible inhibition of the enzyme 5α-reductase type II. This mechanism prevents the hydrogen atom from being transferred from NADPH to testosterone, blocking the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which has a significantly higher affinity for the androgen receptor.
Mechanism summary
Competitive and selective inhibition of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase type II, systematically reducing the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in research models.
Estudios Clínicos (9)
- Finasteride (1994) PMID 35951973.
- Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride Male Pattern Hair Loss Study Group. (Kaufman KD, et al. · J Am Acad Dermatol · 1998) PMID 9777765.
- The effects of finasteride on scalp skin and serum androgen levels in men with androgenetic alopecia. (Drake L, et al. · J Am Acad Dermatol · 1999) PMID 10495374.
- The effect of finasteride on the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgical treatment among men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Finasteride Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study Group. (McConnell JD, et al. · N Engl J Med · 1998) PMID 9475762.
- The influence of finasteride on the development of prostate cancer. (Thompson IM, et al. · N Engl J Med · 2003) PMID 12824459.
- Efficacy and safety of topical finasteride spray solution in the treatment of Chinese men with androgenetic alopecia: A phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (Zhou C, et al. · Chin Med J (Engl) · 2026) PMID 40090937.
- Comparative Efficacy of Minoxidil and 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors Monotherapy for Male Pattern Hair Loss: Network Meta-Analysis Study of Current Empirical Evidence. (Gupta AK, et al. · J Cosmet Dermatol · 2025) PMID 40586152.
- The Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride Combined with Topical Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. (Chen L, et al. · Aesthetic Plast Surg · 2020) PMID 32166351.
- Risk of Depression Associated With Finasteride Treatment. (Pompili M, et al. · J Clin Psychopharmacol · 2021) PMID 33814544.
Warnings
Finasteride is a research-use-only (RUO) compound; the following warnings and handling considerations apply to its laboratory use:
- Substance with teratogenic potential; avoid exposure in pregnant female subjects
- Requires handling with personal protective equipment (PPE)
- For research only in controlled laboratory environments
- Presence of pregnancy in study models for embryonic development
- Known hypersensitivity to 5α-reductase inhibitors
- Research models with preexisting hepatic insufficiency
Technical data
- CAS
- 98319-26-7
- Molecular formula
- C23H36N2O2
- Molecular weight
- 372.5 Da
- Compound type
- sarm
- Storage
- 15-30°C in an airtight container
- Shelf life (lyophilized)
- 36 months
- Shelf life (reconstituted)
- Not applicable
- Light-sensitive
- No
Frequently asked questions about Finasteride
What is Finasteride?
Selective inhibitor of the 5α-reductase type II enzyme for research, used to modulate the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in experimental models of androgenic signaling.
What is the mechanism of action of Finasteride?
Competitive and selective inhibition of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase type II, systematically reducing the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in research models.
What is Finasteride researched for?
In preclinical research, Finasteride is studied mainly in: Reduction of systemic DHT levels in research; Modeling of studies on androgenetic alopecia and the hair cycle; Research on the regulation of prostatic tissue growth. Material exclusively for scientific research.
What are the chemical properties of Finasteride?
Molecular formula C23H36N2O2; molecular weight 372.5 Da; CAS number 98319-26-7.
How is Finasteride stored?
Storage conditions: 15-30°C in an airtight container; lyophilized stability: 36 months; once reconstituted: Not applicable.
What routes of administration are studied for Finasteride?
The following are described in research models: Oral, Topical (in experimental formulations). Use is exclusively for scientific research.