| abstract |
A steroid-derived compound of the formula (I) in which: one of R1 and R2 is a hydroxy and the other is hydrogen; or R1 and R2 together represent oxo; R3 is hydrogen or hydroxy; and the dotted lines represent single or double carbon-carbon bonds; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, is useful for the prevention or treatment of pain, for improving nerve regeneration after injury or damage or disease, for the prevention or treatment of injury, damage or brain disease and for neuro protection. Particularly useful compounds are 11-hydroxy- (4-androstene-3,17-dione and 11-oxo- (4-androstene-3,17-dione or its derivatives). |