How long has finasteride been available as a treatment for MPB?
A. The 5mg tablets of finasteride (Proscar®) were introduced by the Merck Co. in 1992 as a medication to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Some men taking Proscar® reported improved hair growth. Subsequently, the Merck Co. announced the availability of Propecia®, a 1mg finasteride tablet, approved by the U.S. FDA in December 1997. Finasteride works by inhibiting the Type II 5alpha-reductase with resulting decreased serum levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
