Nonandrogenic

Nonandrogenic describes substances, effects, or tissues that do not involve or respond to androgens. Androgens, such as testosterone, typically exert their actions through the androgen receptor; tissues with little receptor expression or weak response are considered nonandrogenic. In pharmacology, a nonandrogenic drug is one that shows little to no agonist activity at the androgen receptor and does not produce typical androgenic effects such as virilization, acne, or increased body hair at therapeutic doses. Such drugs may affect other hormonal systems or metabolic pathways, allowing selective modulation without masculinizing side effects.

The term is context-dependent and relative to comparative activity at the androgen receptor. Dose can influence observed activity, so assessments are often dose-related. In research and development, distinguishing nonandrogenic properties helps identify compounds suitable for conditions where androgenic side effects are undesirable, including certain female health applications, pediatric use, or situations requiring suppression of androgen signaling.

In clinical and regulatory discussions, nonandrogenic is not a guarantee of safety or efficacy and does not imply absence of all hormonal activity. It denotes the lack of meaningful androgen receptor–mediated action at specified conditions. The concept also intersects with antiandrogenic strategies, which aim to oppose androgen signaling rather than simply avoid it; such distinctions are important for accurate characterization and labeling of therapies.