inosine + glutathione

Inosine + glutathione (marketed under the brand name Molixan) is a metabolic combination agent composed of inosine and the tripeptide glutathione (inosine-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine disodium). Originally developed and approved in Russia for the parenteral treatment of viral hepatitis, it has more recently been evaluated as an aerosolized combination medication for the prevention of COVID-19. The drug's mechanism of action is multi-faceted: glutathione serves as a potent antioxidant that protects lung epithelial cells from oxidative stress, while inosine acts as an immunomodulator and cytoprotective agent by binding to G-protein-coupled A2A adenosine receptors. Additionally, inosine can serve as an alternative substrate for ATP generation under hypoxic conditions. In clinical studies for COVID-19 pre-exposure prophylaxis, it is typically administered via nebulizer in combination with potassium chloride to facilitate bronchodilation.

Brand names

Molixan

Other names

inosine-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine disodiuminosine-glutathione