Choline Esters

Abstract

Compounds, formulations, and methods are provided containing the choline ester of a reducing agent, especially lipoic acid or derivatives thereof. The compounds may be administered via a topical ocular route to treat or prevent oxidative damage.

1 .- 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A method of decreasing opacity of a ocular lens, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a choline ester of lipoic acid or a derivative of lipoic acid. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the lipoic acid is alpha lipoic acid. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the derivative of lipoic acid is:
 6,8-dimercaptooctanoic acid;   dihydrolipoate;   5-(1,2-thiaselenolan-5-yl)petanoic acid; or   5-(1,2-thiaselenolan-3-yl)petanoic acid.   
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the lipoic acid or derivative of lipoic acid includes the R enantiomer. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the subject suffers from cataract. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 32 , comprising administering lipoic acid choline ester. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the choline ester of lipoic acid or the derivative of lipoic acid is present in a pharmaceutical composition. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the choline ester of lipoic acid or the derivative of lipoic acid is present in the pharmaceutical composition in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10%.