Oxymetholone
| Evidence Level: L5 | Predicted Indications: 10 |
Table of Contents
Oxymetholone: From Aplastic Anemia to Seborrheic Dermatitis
One-Sentence Summary
Oxymetholone is an oral anabolic androgenic steroid, originally used for anemias caused by bone marrow failure, including aplastic anemia and Diamond-Blackfan anemia. The TxGNN model predicts it may be effective for seborrheic dermatitis, but there are currently 0 clinical trials and 0 publications supporting this direction. This is a computational prediction only, and the direction of effect may even be unfavorable.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | Diamond-Blackfan anemia, inherited aplastic anemia, idiopathic aplastic anemia, aplastic anemia (the Singapore licence has no approved indication text recorded) |
| Predicted New Indication | Seborrheic dermatitis |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 99.05% |
| Evidence Level | L5 |
| Singapore Market Status | ✓ Marketed |
| Number of Registrations | 1 |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Currently, detailed mechanism of action data is not available. Based on known information, oxymetholone is an anabolic androgenic steroid. Its efficacy in bone marrow failure and anemias is the basis of its original use, but a mechanistic link to seborrheic dermatitis has not been established.
The data compiled for this report suggest that a connection to sebaceous gland or inflammatory modulation is speculative. Androgens typically increase sebum production, so the direction of effect may be unfavorable for seborrheic dermatitis. The high score most likely reflects proximity in the knowledge graph rather than a demonstrated biological rationale.
Other predictions for this drug (for example psoriasis, seborrheic keratosis, Glanzmann thrombasthenia and pseudo-von Willebrand disease) also score above 90% but likewise have no clinical or literature support.
Clinical Trial Evidence
Currently no related clinical trials registered.
Literature Evidence
Currently no related literature available.
Singapore Market Information
| Authorization Number | Product Name | Dosage Form | Approved Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIN09975P | HAN SEO OXYMETHOLONE TABLET 50 mg | Tablet (oral) | Not recorded |
Safety Considerations
- Contraindications (from knowledge graph associations, not package insert text): The knowledge graph lists the following conditions as contraindicated:
- Liver and biliary: liver failure, liver disease, peliosis hepatis, gallbladder disease
- Kidney: kidney disease, pyoureter, nephrotic syndrome (including familial form), lipoid nephrosis
- Cardiovascular: congestive heart failure, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, arteriosclerosis disorder, atherosclerosis, hypoalphalipoproteinemia
- Hormone-sensitive cancers and prostate: prostate cancer, neoplasm and carcinoma, benign prostatic hyperplasia, female breast carcinoma
- Metabolic: diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis, humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy
- Haematological: blood coagulation disease
- Drug Interactions: 69 interactions were identified. The ones shown include:
- Major: carfilzomib
- Moderate: corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, budesonide), asparaginase products, brentuximab vedotin, calcipotriol and calcitriol (topical), cannabidiol, chlorpropamide, clofarabine, corticotropin, tetracosactide, cyclosporine, and C1-esterase inhibitors
- Other concerns noted in the evidence review: hepatotoxicity is a known concern, and there is a virilization risk with systemic androgen exposure (particularly in vulvar conditions, pregnancy and neonatal settings).
Please refer to the package insert for the full warnings, as label-based warnings are not yet available.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: The prediction rests only on a model score, with no clinical trials or publications (Evidence Level L5). Androgens may increase sebum production, and the known hepatic, cardiovascular and other safety risks make the risk-benefit balance unfavorable for a non-severe skin condition with many established treatments.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- Package insert warnings and contraindications from HSA (a blocking gap for safety screening)
- Mechanism of action data for oxymetholone
- Preclinical or clinical evidence linking oxymetholone to seborrheic dermatitis
- Assessment of route compatibility and of the direction of effect on sebum production
- Review of the other predicted indications, which currently have no supporting evidence either
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.