Compounds and methods for reducing undesired toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents

Abstract

Novel compositions and formulations are disclosed that have use as toxicity-reducing agents for various chemotherapeutic agents and as treatment for certain diseases and conditions. The compositions of matter are amino acid and peptide heteroconjugated disulfides of 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate sodium.

1 . A compound having the formula: (I) X—S—S—R 1 -R 2 , wherein: 
 R 1  is lower alkylene, optionally substituted by aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, mercapto, alkylthio or arylthio for a corresponding hydrogen atom;    R 2  is sulfonate or phosphonate;    X is a sulfur-containing amino acid or a peptide consisting of 2-10 amino acids, optionally substituted by lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, mercapto, alkylthio or hydroxy for a corresponding hydrogen atom; and    pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.