Finasteride and skin bacteria before shoulder surgery
Official title: Finasteride and Cutibacterium
Run by University of Washington · NCT07731802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether taking finasteride for two weeks can lower skin testosterone and reduce Cutibacterium acnes on the skin of adult men.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 31, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07731802 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adult men aged 18 to 65 without a history of certain reproductive tract abnormalities, not currently on finasteride or testosterone therapies, and not recently using antibiotics or acne medications.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with very sensitive skin, recent wounds on the shoulders, or those who do not respond to finasteride may not see any benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adult men ages 18 to 65. Participants will receive either finasteride 5 mg or a placebo daily for 14 days. Researchers will measure blood testosterone and skin bacteria via blood samples and skin swabs at day 0 and day 14 to see if lowering testosterone reduces skin bacteria linked to infections after shoulder replacement. The study helps understand a potential strategy to reduce periprosthetic joint infection risk by modulating the skin microbiome. The trial is conducted at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle and is a phase 4 interventional study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience lower skin levels of testosterone–related bacteria which could lower infection risk in shoulder surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have explored hormonal influence on skin bacteria, with mixed results; this exact approach is exploratory for infection risk reduction.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion We will include the group most impacted by PJI * Adult males * Age between 18 and 65 Exclusion * History of cryptorchidism, hypospadias, or other congenital abnormality of male reproductive tract * Female sex * Age younger than 18 or older than 65 * Current use of Finasteride or other 5-alpha reductase inhibitors * Current use of hormone replacement medications such as testosterone * Recent antibiotic use within 3 months * Have had a negative reaction to oral Finasteride before * Recent use of acne treatment within 3 months * Self-report very sensitive skin * Allergic to chlorhexidine or isopropyl alcohol * Have open wounds on both shoulders
Where it's running
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UW Medical Center - Montlake
Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Corey Schiffman, MD — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Anastasia Whitson
- Email: whitsa@uw.edu
- Phone: 206-755-7847
Similar studies
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.