alfatradiol

Alfatradiol (17-alpha estradiol) is a synthetic stereoisomer of the endogenous estrogen hormone 17-beta estradiol. Unlike its stereoisomer, alfatradiol exhibits minimal systemic estrogenic activity, making it virtually non-feminizing at therapeutic doses. It is primarily used as a topical solution for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in both men and women. Alfatradiol acts locally on the scalp to reduce levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary hormone responsible for hair follicle miniaturization, by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Additionally, it stimulates local aromatase activity and inhibits 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, further reducing local androgen levels. Alfatradiol was originally developed by MitoKor (later acquired by Micrologix/Migenix) for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, but development for this indication was discontinued. It is currently marketed for hair loss in Europe and South America under brand names such as Ell-Cranell and Pantostin by Galderma and Merz.

Brand names

AvicisAvixisEll-CranellEll-Cranell AlphaPantostin

Other names

17-alpha estradiol17-alpha-estradiol17-epiestradiol17α-E217α-estradiolalfatradiolumalpha-estradiolestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17α-dioloestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17alpha-diolα-estradiol