Proscar and Propecia: the Gary and Jerry show
Tracking down the metabolic basis of a remarkable human single-gene genetic disease provided the insight required to discover drugs to prevent prostate gland growth in aging men (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) and prevent hair loss in men (male pattern baldness). Victims of this genetic disease are born with the appearance of females and are recognized as such. However, at puberty, they undergo a transformation and develop the characteristics of males. The underlying genetic defect is a mutation in the gene that codes for the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR), which promotes conversion of testosterone (T) into the more potent male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Lack of sufficient DHT in utero prevents the full expression of male anatomy at birth, an issue that is corrected at the time of puberty when a surge of male sex hormones occurs. These men have a very small prostate gland that never grows, do not lose their hair, and do not get acne. This strongly suggests that DHT is the causative agent of BPH, male pattern baldness, and acne. An inhibitor of 5AR would create the functional equivalent of the genetic defect and would be expected to be effective in shrinking an enlarged prostate gland and slowing or preventing hair loss and acne in men. Finasteride is such an inhibitor and has met expectations. It is marketed as Proscar for BPH and Propecia for male pattern baldness. Finasteride is a teratogen (can cause birth defects) and has not been developed for acne for that reason.