Mitochondrially targeted antioxidants

US6331532A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• University of Otago · NZ

Inventors

• Michael Patrick Murphy · Arlington, US
• Robin Smith · Dunedin, NZ

Key dates

• Filing date: May 25, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 18, 2001
• Expiry date: May 25, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C09B69/001
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention provides mitochondrially targeted antioxidant compounds. A compound of the invention comprises a lipophilic cation covalently coupled to an antioxidant moiety. In preferred embodiments, the lipophilic cation is the triphenyl phosphonium cation, and the compound is of the formula P(Ph.sub.3)+XR.cndot.Z- where X is a linking group, Z is an anion and R is an antioxidant moiety. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the mitochondrially targeted antioxidant compounds, and methods of therapy or prophylaxis of patients who would benefit from reduced oxidative stress, which comprise the step of administering the compounds of the invention.