Use of disulfiram to prevent cardiovascular damage
US5206264A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1991 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61K45/06
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method is disclosed for reducing cardiovascular damage caused by hypoxic or ischemic events such as heart attack and cardiac arrest. This method involves the administration of disulfiram, or a suitable salt or analog of disulfiram, to a mammal in need of such treatment. Disulfiram can inhibit enzymes such as xanthine oxidase which would otherwise generate oxygenated free radicals, which are highly reactive chemical compounds that non-specifically attack and damage essential molecules and cells. It can also chelate copper and iron, thereby suppressing lipid peroxidation and protecting cell membranes from destruction. It also generates metabolites such as tryptophol which reduce the rate of metabolic activity in neurons and affected tissue, which can be useful during cytotoxic events. This invention also discloses injectable formulations that rapidly release disulfiram into the circulating blood.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.