Propecia Clinical Trials
Browse 4 Propecia Medical Studies Across 5 Cities
5 Propecia Clinics
What Are Propecia Clinical Trials?
Propecia is the brand name for finasteride, a compound that has an interesting background as it was found while researching intersex children. It was found that these children didn’t experience male pattern baldness, and researcher Julianna Imperato-McGinley’s findings were presented to Merck. Propecia was developed as a result, and has been used to treat male pattern baldness since then, earning its first FDA approval in 1992.
Why is Propecia Being Studied in Clinical Trials?
Due to being one of the more commonly used drugs to prevent hair loss, Propecia is often being studied to maintain its record of effectiveness. On top of that, Propecia may also have benefits that weren’t seen before and the drug is currently undergoing further testing. This includes possible benefits for those with sleep apnea, prostate cancer and more.
How Does Propecia Treatment Work?
Propecia works by reducing the effects of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that changes testosterone into DHT. With Propecia, the amount of DHT is reduced by as much as 60 percent, with nearly 90 percent of men experiencing less hair loss during clinical trials. Propecia is often seen as the first line of defense against hair loss, with further treatment options including hair transplant surgery and laser therapy.
Propecia is a once daily tablet (1 mg) that should be taken for a minimum of three months under the supervision of a health professional. The most common side effects of Propecia include chills, confusion, dizziness, cold sweats and weight gain.
What are some of the breakthrough clinical trials involving Propecia?
There have been several landmark studies involving Propecia in recent years. Some of the most notable studies are:
2020: Lower urinary tract symptoms - This major study has shown that over 90 percent of males develop a lower urinary tract symptom at some point in their lives, and Propecia can help to reduce prostate size by up to 20 percent while improving urinary flow. However, some patients with an enlarged prostate may not respond to Propecia and this study aims to find the link.
2015: Sleep apnea syndromes - This study is focused on eldelry veterans that have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. When combined with hyperoxia and acetazolamide, Propecia may be able to lower the symptoms of sleep apnea for those that are 60 years of age or older.
2010: Prostate cancer - Due to its ability to help shrink the prostate, Propecia has been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer when combined with other treatments.
Who Are The Key Opinion Leaders On Propecia Clinical Trial Research?
Dr. Alfredo F. Rossi
Dr. Alfredo F. Rossi has become an expert in both male and female pattern baldness, co-authoring 75 peer reviewed articles within the past 15 years. He has been noted as distinguished in baldness and alopecia while also being rated as elite in autosomal recessive hypotrichosis.
Prof. Aria F. Olumi, MD
Professor Aria F. Olumi, MD has been studying Propecia’s effects on the urinary tract to see if there is an added benefit to the drug. Professor Olumi attended medical school at the University of Southern California and took residency at Brigham & Women’s Hospital before heading to Boston to become a surgeon at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
About The Author
Michael Gill - B. Sc.
First Published: October 26th, 2021
Last Reviewed: August 29th, 2023