Use of N,N-bis-2-mercaptoethyl isophthalamide
According to the invention there is provided N,N-bis-2-mercaptoethyl isophthalamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, for use in regenerating ascorbate systemically and thus in the therapeutic treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
1. A method of treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which method comprises the administration of N,N-bis-2-mercaptoethyl isophthalamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a patient in need of such treatment.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the dose of N,N-bis-2-mercaptoethyl isophthalamide or salt thereof that is administered is capable of regenerating ascorbate systemically.
3. A method of reducing the risk of respiratory morbidity and/or mortality in a patient, which method comprises administering N,N-bis-2-mercaptoethyl isophthalamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to such a patient exhibiting symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
4. A method of relieving one or more symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a patient suffering therefrom, which method comprise administering N,N-bis-2-mercaptoethyl isophthalamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or thereof, to such a patient.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the symptom is skeletal muscle fatigue and/or cough/sputum production.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the patient is a smoker or an ex-smoker.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the patient is also receiving therapy which comprises administration of an active ingredient selected from a bronchodilator, an anticholinergic drug, or a corticosteroid.
8. A method as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the patient is a smoker or an ex-smoker.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the patient is also receiving therapy which comprises administration of an active ingredient selected from a bronchodilator, an anticholinergic drug, or a corticosteroid.
10. A method as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the patient is a smoker or an ex- smoker.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the patient is also receiving therapy which comprises administration of an active ingredient selected from a bronchodilator, an anticholinergic drug, or a corticosteroid.