Letosteine

Letosteine is a small molecule mucolytic and expectorant used primarily for the treatment of chronic bronchopneumopathies and related respiratory conditions. It acts by dissolving bronchial mucus, thereby improving mucus clearance in patients with acute or chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchitis. Letosteine contains two blocked thiol groups that are metabolically converted to free thiols in vivo; these liberated -SH groups scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), providing antioxidant activity similar to acetylcysteine and MESNA. This mechanism may help prevent oxidative tissue injury associated with inflammatory processes in the airways. Letosteine has demonstrated efficacy comparable to ambroxol hydrochloride for sputum thickening and expectoration difficulty, with additional benefits including reduction of fever and thoracic symptoms in children with acute bronchitis[1][4][5][6][8]. The drug was patented by Piero del Soldato of Milan, Italy[5].

Brand names

Viscotiol

Other names

letosteina2-[2-(ethoxycarbonylmethylsulfanyl)ethyl]-1,3-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid