Methods for oral decorporation of metals

Abstract

Several new powerful chelating agents, suitable for the removal of a variety of certain heavy metal ions from the body of a mammal by oral application, have been synthesized and tested. Structurally, these compounds are partially lipophilic polyaminocarboxylic acids (PACA). They were synthesized in non-aqueous media from triethylenetetramine (TT) by monoalkylation of a primary amino group, followed by exhaustive carboxymethylation of the remaining amino groups using ethylbromoacetate and subsequent alkaline hydrolysis of the ester. In contrast to their non-lipophilic counterparts EDTA and DTPA, compositions of the present inventions exhibit appreciable absorption from the intestine and, therefore, can be administered orally. By varying the length of the alkyl chain, the chelons can be directed primarily to selected target organs. In addition, the compounds can be modified to target particular absorbed heavy metals.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.