The development of BRL 7660 as an anti-acne agent

BRL 7660, a 16,16 di-substituted androstene steroid, was initially developed by Beecham Pharmaceuticals as a potential anti-fertility agent for males. It proved inactive in this area, but subsequent studies showed it to be a potent testosterone 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It showed little classical steroidal activity but reduced sebum secretion in the rat. In the hamster flank organ, it reduced the stimulant effect of testosterone but not 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone after topical administration, but had little oral activity. Human studies showed that topical administration significantly reduced sebum secretion. Acne symptoms were reduced in many patients who showed enthusiasm for the treatment. Placebo effects were variable and reduced significance, which suggested that further formulation studies were required. Commercial pressures from other drugs in development prevented our researchers from pursuing this approach, and the project was terminated.