MK-906 (Finasteride) | Type II 5-Alpha Reductase
$82.00
MK-906, technically known as Finasteride, is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound that acts as a specific competitive inhibitor of Type II 5-alpha reductase (5AR). In endocrine and dermatological research, MK-906 is investigated for its ability to block the conversion of testosterone into the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By selectively lowering systemic and tissue-specific DHT levels, it serves as a critical model for studying androgen-dependent conditions, including follicular miniaturization and prostate tissue hyperplasia.
MK-906: The Science of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibition
The Biochemistry of MK-906
MK-906 ($C_{23}H_{36}N_{2}O_{2}$) is a 4-aza analog of testosterone. It binds with high affinity to the Type II 5-alpha reductase enzyme, forming a stable complex that prevents the enzyme from processing its natural substrate, testosterone. Because Type II 5AR is primarily localized in the hair follicles, prostate, and liver, MK-906 provides a targeted approach to modulating androgenic activity without directly blocking the androgen receptor itself.
Mechanism of Action: DHT Suppression and Hormonal Balance
In advanced pharmacological and follicular research, MK-906 functions through several coordinated physiological pathways:
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Enzymatic Inhibition: The compound reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT by approximately 70% systemically and up to 80-90% in specific tissues like the prostate.
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Follicular Preservation: Research focuses on the compound’s ability to prevent the miniaturization of hair follicles caused by DHT-induced shortening of the anagen (growth) phase.
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Prostate Volume Modulation: MK-906 is investigated for its capacity to reduce epithelial cell proliferation in the prostate, providing a model for reversing androgen-driven tissue growth.
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Hormonal Feedback: Studies observe a slight compensatory increase in circulating testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) as the body adjusts to reduced DHT levels, though these typically remain within physiological ranges.
Primary Research Applications
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Androgenetic Alopecia Modeling: Analyzing the impact of DHT suppression on hair follicle diameter and cycle duration.
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Prostate Health Research: Investigating the cellular mechanisms of 5AR inhibition in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) models.
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Androgen Signaling Studies: Studying the physiological differences between testosterone-driven activity and DHT-driven activity in various tissues.
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Endocrine Disruption Research: Observing how long-term 5AR inhibition affects the broader hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.
4. Technical Specifications (E-E-A-T Data)
| Feature | Scientific Specification |
| Chemical Name | N-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-oxo-4-aza-5α-androst-1-ene-17β-carboxamide |
| Molecular Formula | $C_{23}H_{36}N_{2}O_{2}$ |
| Molecular Weight | 372.54 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 98319-26-7 |
| Purity Grade | $\geq$99% (HPLC Verified) |
| Form | Research Grade Tablets (5mg Standardized) |
| Solubility | Soluble in Ethanol, DMSO, and Chloroform |
5. Product FAQ
Q: Is MK-906 the same as Finasteride?
A: Yes. MK-906 was the original developmental code used during the research and clinical trial phases for what is now known as Finasteride.
Q: Does MK-906 block testosterone?
A: No. MK-906 does not block testosterone; it prevents testosterone from converting into DHT. In fact, research often shows a slight increase (approx. 10-15%) in serum testosterone levels because less of it is being converted.
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