Do Anti-Androgens Have Potential as Therapeutics for COVID-19?

The document investigated the potential of anti-androgens as treatments for COVID-19, particularly due to their role in modulating androgen-related pathways that might affect disease severity. It highlighted studies suggesting that androgen-deprivation therapies, used for prostate cancer, could reduce severe COVID-19 outcomes. A population-based study with 4,532 participants indicated a potential protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors were linked to fewer COVID-19 symptoms in males with androgenetic alopecia. Proxalutamide, an anti-androgen, was noted for significantly accelerating viral clearance and reducing clinical remission time in mild to moderate COVID-19 cases. Despite these promising findings, the document concluded that further research was necessary to confirm the efficacy of anti-androgens in managing COVID-19.