Compositions and methods for protecting cells from toxic exposures

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods for protecting cells and tissues from damage associated with therapeutic treatments of cancers and other diseases and conditions where reactive oxygen species are produced. The present invention also provides compositions useful as research reagents.

1 . A composition comprising Formula I. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein R 1  and R 2  groups are ethyl groups. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein n is 2. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein R 1  and R 2  groups are ethyl groups and wherein n is 2. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein Formula I further comprises a monosodium salt of the phosphorothioate group. 
     
     
         6 . A composition comprising 2-amino-4-(1-ethoxycarbonyl-2-phosphonosulfanyl-ethylcarbamoyl)-butyric acid ethyl ester monosodium salt. 
     
     
         7 . A method for protecting cells from the toxic effects of free radical generating therapies comprising:
 a) providing a subject with a condition being treated with therapies that are toxic to normal cells and disease cells,   b) co-administering to said subject: a) said toxic therapy and, b) a therapeutic agent, that through metabolism in said subject, causes accumulation of a chemoprotectant compound in said normal cells at a higher concentration than in said disease cells.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said chemoprotectant compound comprises glutathione. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said disease cells comprise cancer cells. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said toxic therapy comprises administration of an anti-cancer chemotherapy. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said toxic therapy comprises administration of radiation.