Research Area: Prostate cancer
Biological Activity:
Finasteride, a synthetic 4-azasteroid antiandrogen compound, is a specific inhibitor of steroid Type II 5α-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). [1]Finasteride is used in the treatment of prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). [1]In benign prostatic hyperplasia, finasteride inhibits 5alpha-reductase activity in epithelium for Ki of 10nM, significantly lower than in stroma (Ki = 33nM). [2]References on Finasteride[] J. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol., 1998, 67:49-55