We present efficient syntheses of serofendic acids A and B (SA-A and SA-B), novel neuroprotective substances isolated from fetal calf serum. Biological and pharmacological evaluation showed that SA-A and SA-B have potent protective action aaainst glutarnate-induced neurotoxicity, but do not interact directly with glutamate receptors. A pharmacokinetic study showed that they have good oral bioavailability in rats. The results indicate that SA-A and SA-B are potential lead compounds for candidate drugs to treat various neuroloaical disorders. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.