DRUG HAVING CELL PROTECTING ACTION FOR TREATING PAIN AND INFLAMMATION AND/OR RETROVIRUS-CAUSED DISEASE AND ITS PREPARATION

摘要

PURPOSE: To obtain the subject treating agent containing an optical isomer of anα-lipoic acid or its salt and exhibiting extremely specific and strong action compared with racemic compound. CONSTITUTION: This agent contains an R-α-lipoic acid (1,2-dithiacyclopentane-3- valeric acid) having an antiinflammatory action stronger than that of a racemic compound by a factor of 10 or an S-α-lipoic acid having an analgesic action stronger than that of a racemic compound by a factor of 5-6 or its pharmacologically permissible salt. The R- and S-α-lipoic acids have growth- suppressing action on retroviruses, especially human immunodeficiency virus HIV and are suitable for the treatment of diseases caused by the viruses. The agent is used as necessary in combination with other substances acting on retroviruses.