PHOSPHORYLATED DERIVATIVES OF L-DOPA AND COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR INCREASING THE MELANIN CONTENT IN MAMMALIAN SKIN HAIR

摘要

A phosphorylated derivative of L-dopa of formula (I), wherein when X is (II), wherein Z is -CH2, N, S or a linkage other than oxygen which renders the phosphate group resistant to hydrolysis by phosphatase enzymes in tissues and biological fluids, then Y is OQ, wherein Q is H or an alkyl with one to twelve carbon atoms, or wherein X is OQ, then Y is (II), wherein R' is hydrogen or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation and R is a moiety which increases hydropobicity. The phosphorylated derivative of L-dopa is useful as an agent to increase the melanin content in mammalian skin and hair.