Fund the research that could end this
For years, PFS and PSSD patients have searched for answers. Now, scientists at the University of Milan are uncovering the biological foundations of these conditions — bringing validation, understanding, and solutions.
From laboratory
to treatment
Your support will accelerate the most advanced research into PFS and PSSD — conditions long ignored, now finally understood at the biological level.
- Real science, real progressLed by Prof. Roberto Melcangi at the University of Milan
- Shared pathways, shared solutionsStudying PFS and PSSD side by side
- Hope backed by dataResults shaping new diagnostic tools and treatments
- Patient-driven changeFunded by those who live it
Every donation fuels tangible breakthroughs — and a future where recovery becomes possible.
Donate to the Milano Project
100% goes directly to research
- One-time or monthly, in £, € or $
- Gift Aid adds 25p for every £1 if you are a UK taxpayer
- Card payments handled securely by Stripe
Secure donation · SIDEfxHUB, UK charity 1203385
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, SIDEfxHUBCommitted 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."
— Prof. Roberto MelcangiOther 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.
The Milano Project: A Potential Path to Treatment for PFS and PSSD
Understanding the Gut Microbiota Alterations in Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) Patients
The Similarities Between PFS and PSSD
Understanding the Genetic Factors Behind PFS
Team Melcangi Launches Milano Project to Advance PFS Research
Good Morning Britain: Robb Dixon Speaks Out About Post-Finasteride Syndrome
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