METHODS AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS EMPLOYING DESMETHYLSELEGILINE

摘要

Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for using the selegiline metabolite desmethylselegiline and stereoisomeric forms thereof. In particular, the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for using desmethylselegiline, and/or ent-desmethylselegiline, for selegiline-responsive diseases and conditions. Diseases and conditions responsive to selegiline include those produced by neuronal degeneration or neural trauma and those due to immune system dysfunction. Desmethylselegiline, and/or entdesmethylselegiline, is either administered orally or by a route of administration which does not rely upon gastrointestinal absorption. Desmethylselegiline is the R-(-) enantiomer of N-methyl-N-(prop-2-ynyl)-2-aminophenylpropane and ent-desmethylselegiline is the S(+) enantiomer. Claimed compositions include both the R-(-) and S-(+) isomers as well as mixtures thereof. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts may also be used. Effective dosages are a daily dose of at least about 0.0015 mg/kg of body weight.