Could a prostate drug stop shoulder infections before they start?

NCT ID NCT07731802

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: University of Washington Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 28, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether finasteride, a drug that blocks testosterone production, can reduce levels of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria on the skin. High testosterone is linked to more of this bacteria, which can cause serious infections during shoulder replacement surgery. Healthy men aged 18 to 65 will take either finasteride or a placebo daily for two weeks, and researchers will measure changes in skin bacteria and blood testosterone levels.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: finasteride 1 mg taken daily for two weeks
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, short-term way to reduce infection risk before shoulder replacement surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 40 men. It tests a surrogate marker (skin bacteria), not actual infection rates, so success here may not prevent infections in practice.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

periprosthetic joint infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CUTIBACTERIUM ACNES DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE PERIPROSTHETIC JOINT INFECTION (PJI)

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