Bexlosteride

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Bexlosteride

Bexlosteride is a steroidal antiandrogen that was never marketed. It acts as a selective inhibitor of the enzyme 5α-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Bexlosteride is selective for the type 1 isoenzyme of 5α-reductase, and is able to prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT in certain parts of the body, including the skin and the prostate gland.

Pharmacology

Bexlosteride, like other 5α-reductase inhibitors, prevents the metabolic conversion of testosterone to DHT. This action has the effect of reducing the amount of DHT in the body, which can be beneficial in the treatment of conditions that are caused or exacerbated by excessive levels of DHT, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness).

The mechanism of action of bexlosteride involves the inhibition of the type 1 isoenzyme of 5α-reductase. This isoenzyme is primarily found in the skin and the prostate gland, and is responsible for the majority of the conversion of testosterone to DHT in these tissues. By inhibiting this enzyme, bexlosteride is able to reduce the levels of DHT in these tissues, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as BPH and androgenic alopecia.

Clinical significance

Although bexlosteride was never marketed, it has been the subject of scientific research due to its potential applications in the treatment of conditions such as BPH and androgenic alopecia. The selective inhibition of the type 1 isoenzyme of 5α-reductase by bexlosteride may offer advantages over non-selective 5α-reductase inhibitors, such as a reduced risk of side effects.

However, the development of bexlosteride was ultimately discontinued, and it is not currently available for medical use. Despite this, research into the pharmacology and potential applications of bexlosteride continues, and it remains a topic of interest in the field of endocrinology and pharmacology.

See also

• 5α-Reductase inhibitor
• Steroidal antiandrogen
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Androgenic alopecia