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Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a Steroid hormone / Prohormone Small molecule drug developed by Boston Children's Hospital. It is currently FDA-approved for Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Age-related conditions and immune dysfunction. Also known as: Prasterone.
DHEA is an endogenous steroid hormone precursor that acts as a substrate for the synthesis of androgens and estrogens, modulating immune function and metabolic processes.
DHEA is an endogenous steroid hormone precursor that acts as a substrate for the synthesis of androgens and estrogens, modulating immune function and metabolic processes. Used for Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Age-related conditions and immune dysfunction.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Prasterone |
| Sponsor | Boston Children's Hospital |
| Drug class | Steroid hormone / Prohormone |
| Target | Androgen receptor, Estrogen receptor (indirect via peripheral conversion) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Endocrinology, Immunology, Rheumatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands and serves as a prohormone that can be converted peripherally to testosterone and estradiol. It plays roles in immune regulation, bone metabolism, and potentially in treating age-related conditions and certain autoimmune disorders. The exact mechanisms of therapeutic benefit in specific conditions remain incompletely understood but involve both hormonal and immunomodulatory pathways.
Approved indications
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Age-related conditions and immune dysfunction
Common side effects
- Acne
- Hirsutism
- Voice deepening
- Mood changes
- Headache
Key clinical trials
- Investigating Novel Interventions for Low Back Pain in US Military Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Adaptive Phase II Trial (PHASE2)
- Stress Reduction Program for Iraqi Medical Students (NA)
- Allostatic Load Assessment Using Hair Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Concentration in Patients Affected by Periodontal Disease (NA)
- Efficacy and Safety of Slow Release Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA ) (PHASE2)
- Precision Medicine Approach for Early Dementia & Mild Cognitive Impairment (PHASE3)
- Vaginal DHEA to Improve Vaginal Health After Radiation for Women With Gynecologic, Anal or Rectal Cancer (PHASE2)
- Neurobiological Mechanisms of Stress in Youth With Chronic Widespread Pain (NA)
- Evaluation of Emotion-related Salivary Molecular Biomarkers
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Boston Children's Hospital portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
What is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)?
How does Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) work?
What is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) used for?
Who makes Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)?
Is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) also known as anything else?
What drug class is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in?
What development phase is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in?
What are the side effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)?
What does Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) target?
Related
- Drug class: All Steroid hormone / Prohormone drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Androgen receptor, Estrogen receptor (indirect via peripheral conversion)
- Manufacturer: Boston Children's Hospital — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Endocrinology, Immunology, Rheumatology
- Indication: Drugs for Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Indication: Drugs for Age-related conditions and immune dysfunction
- Also known as: Prasterone
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing