PROPHYLACTIC AND THERAPEUTIC USE OF OLTIPRAZ AS AN ANTIFIBROTIC AND ANTICIRRHOTIC AGENT IN THE LIVER AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION CONTAINING OLTIPRAZ

摘要

The present invention provides a prophylactic and therapeutic use of 5-(2- pyrazinyl)-4-methyl-1,2-dithiol-3-thione (oltipraz) as an antifibrotic and anticirrhotic agent in the liver and a pharmaceutical composition containing oltipraz for treating and preventing hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Oltipra z of the invention can be used as a medicine optionally with other drugs for treating and preventing hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis and shows an inhibiti ng effect of hepatic fibrosis at a relatively low dosage. Formulations using an optimal dose of oltipraz, which is provided by the invention, have a surprisingly good effect on the treatment and prevention of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis and are safe drugs that have a low toxicity on the human body.