Finasteride vs RU-58841
A side-by-side research comparison of Finasteride and RU-58841 across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Finasteride | RU-58841 |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Finasteride (Propecia/Proscar) | RU-58841 (PSK-3841) |
| Category | Hair Growth | Hair Growth |
| Status | FDA Approved (hair loss & BPH) | Research compound |
| Mechanism | Selectively inhibits type II 5-alpha reductase (predominant in hair follicles), reducing conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Serum DHT decreases ~70%, scalp DHT ~40%, allowing follicle recovery. | Non-steroidal androgen receptor antagonist with high binding affinity. Applied topically, penetrates to dermal papilla cells where it blocks DHT-AR complex formation, preventing transcription of hair-miniaturizing genes without systemic antiandrogen effects. |
| Molecular weight | 372.54 Da | 369.34 Da |
| Half-life | ~6-8 hours (but DHT suppression lasts 24h) | ~1 hour (in skin/plasma); active at receptor for 8-12h |
| Bioavailability | ~80% oral | Topical only - minimal systemic absorption |
| Typical dose | 1 mg (hair) or 5 mg (prostate) | 50-100 mg in 1mL vehicle |
| Frequency | Daily | Daily application to scalp |
| Route | Oral tablet | Topical (dissolved in ethanol/PG vehicle) |
Finasteride reported benefits
- Halts hair loss progression (90% of men)
- Regrows hair (65% of men)
- Well-studied long-term safety
- FDA-approved
- Available generic
- Topical option available
RU-58841 reported benefits
- Local anti-androgen (no systemic effects)
- No sexual side effects
- DHT blocking at follicle level
- Can combine with oral finasteride
- Fast-acting (visible in weeks)
Related comparisons
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.