[2][3][5] BNN-27 has neuroprotective and neurogenic effects and has been suggested as a potential novel treatment for neurodegenerative diseases and brain trauma.

[2][3] In 2011, the surprising discovery was made that DHEA, as well as DHEA-S, directly bind to and activate the TrkA and p75NTR with high affinity.

[5] These findings may explain the positive association between decreased circulating DHEA levels with age and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

[5] Subsequently, a series of spiro derivatives of DHEA that had been synthesized and assessed in 2009 as potential neuroprotective agents was re-investigated.

[2][3] In addition, it was found to cross the blood–brain barrier and to have strong neuroprotective and neurogenic effects in mouse models of neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration.