EST-005

EST-005 is an early preclinical-stage, topical formulation of finasteride delivered via Estrenue's proprietary Foroderm platform for the treatment of androgen-dependent hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). The Foroderm platform utilizes high-aspect-ratio, cylindrical silica microparticles (elongated microparticles) and a microtextured applicator to mechanically create transient channels in the stratum corneum, depositing the active payload directly into the viable epidermis. This physical delivery mechanism bypasses the traditional skin barrier without the use of microneedle arrays, allowing for localized delivery of finasteride to hair follicles while minimizing systemic exposure and associated side effects. Finasteride acts as a competitive and irreversible inhibitor of 3-oxo-5-alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 2 (SRD5A2), preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp.

Other names

Foroderm-delivered finasteride