Fund the research that could end PFS & PSSD
- The University of Milan is mapping the biology behind PFS and PSSD.
- Seven studies — the most comprehensive programme yet.
- Donations pay for it. Yours funds the next study.
The Milano Project by the numbers
From laboratory to treatment
Your donation funds the research turning PFS and PSSD from mystery into biology.
- Real science, real progressLed by Prof. Roberto Melcangi, University of Milan
- Shared pathways, shared solutionsStudying PFS and PSSD together
- Hope backed by dataAlready shaping diagnosis and treatment
- Patient-driven changeFunded by those who live it
Every donation moves this forward.
Milano Project studies
1 out of 7 studies published
Allopregnanolone Alleviates Some Symptoms of Finasteride-induced Inflammation in Both the Gut and Hypothalamus of Rats
The study shows that finasteride withdrawal triggers inflammation in both gut and hypothalamus in rats, and that allopregnanolone (ALLO) can reverse several of these effects, including restoring the potential PFS biomarker PPAR-alpha. This confirms gut-brain disruption in PFS, identifies a viable treatment candidate, and moves the Milano Project closer to real therapeutic options.
Results from the second study will be shared soon.
What your donation actually pays for
Complete 7 human investigations on PFS and PSSD
The most comprehensive study programme ever conducted on these conditions.
Identify biomarkers proving the biological basis
Building objective, measurable evidence that clinicians and regulators can act on.
Map neurosteroid synthesis disruption
Understanding how finasteride and SSRIs affect allopregnanolone and related pathways.
Build foundation for clinical trials in Italy
Moving from lab research to human treatment trials.
Share all data with qualified researchers worldwide
Open science for the benefit of every patient.
Inside the Milano Project
Join Robb as he travels to Italy to meet Professor Melcangi and his team. Step inside the lab, meet the PhD students running advanced neurosteroid and molecular assays — and hear directly from the scientists behind this historic effort.
“This is not theory. It is science that is happening now.”
— Robb, SIDEfxHUB
Committed to the science, and to the people living with PFS & PSSD
The Milano Project represents a collaboration built on integrity, expertise, and genuine commitment — a team whose dedication to understanding PFS and PSSD is both scientific and deeply human.
For over a decade, they have worked quietly and rigorously to uncover the biological mechanisms behind these conditions, driven not by recognition but by responsibility. Their research stands as a beacon of hope for a community that has long been overlooked.
“We are no longer in the dark. The evidence is strong — and the next step is human clinical trials.”
Other ongoing research
Support ongoing research into PFS and PSSD through our partner organisations.
PSSD Network
Contributes to the Milano Project led by Dr. Melcangi. Explores neurological and hormonal causes of PSSD, investigates brain function and gut health, studies steroid imbalances, identifies potential biomarkers.
Learn more and donate
RxISK
Investigates PSSD through nerve imaging and biomarkers, tests light therapy, explores links between SSRIs and p63 protein changes. Offers the $100K RxISK Prize for treatment breakthroughs.
Learn more and donateThe Science Behind the Project
Background on the research programme, the mechanisms it is investigating, and the patients pushing for answers.
PFS Research The Milano Project: A Potential Path to Treatment for PFS and PSSD Read more → 
PFS Research Understanding the Gut Microbiota Alterations in Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) Patients Read more → PSSD Research The Similarities Between PFS and PSSD Read more → PFS Research Understanding the Genetic Factors Behind PFS Read more → 
Media Stories Team Melcangi Launches Milano Project to Advance PFS Research Read more → 
Media Stories Good Morning Britain: Robb Dixon Speaks Out About Post-Finasteride Syndrome Read more → Thank you from team SIDEfxHUB
Every contribution funds work that would not otherwise be done. We are grateful to stand alongside a community that has had to fight to be believed, and that is now funding the evidence to end that.
Gary Shields
Legal & Compliance Director
Robb Dixon
Communications Director
Morten Skov
Digital & Awareness Director
Ryan Clark
Community Director