Clascoterone: a new topical antiandrogen agent.

Androgen hormones (androgens) and androgen receptors (ARs) play both a significant role in the pathogenesis of certain skin disorders, such as acne vulgaris (hereafter: acne) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in both males and females. Systemic antiandrogen therapies, such as oral contraceptives (DTAs) and spironolactone, are potentially effective strategies for the treatment of acne and AGA. However, they are associated with systemic adverse effects and are unsuitable for use in males. Clascoterone cream, 1%, is a novel topical androgen receptor inhibitor (ARI). The use of a topical antiandrogen drug significantly reduces the risk of these side effects. Clascotereone is currently the only topical ARI approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is indicated for patients 12 years of age and older with facial acne vulgaris. Several clinical studies demonstrated the effectiveness of clascoterone in treating acne with a favorable safety profile. The other indications for clascoterone, including the treatment of AGA, are currently under investigation. The promising results from clinical trials suggest that clascoterone may soon play a broader role in dermatology, offering benefits for conditions that currently have limited treatment options.