N-acetylcysteine + alpha-lipoic acid + liposomal glutathione (University Health Network)

N-acetylcysteine + alpha-lipoic acid + liposomal glutathione is an investigational antioxidant combination evaluated for the treatment of COVID-19. Developed and studied by researchers at the University Health Network in Toronto, this combination aims to mitigate the severe oxidative stress and systemic inflammation (cytokine storm) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) serves as a biosynthetic precursor to glutathione, the body's primary intracellular antioxidant. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant that helps regenerate other endogenous antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E and glutathione) and inhibits pro-inflammatory signaling pathways like NF-κB. Liposomal glutathione provides direct supplementation of the master antioxidant in a formulation designed to overcome the poor oral bioavailability of standard glutathione. Together, these components are intended to restore cellular redox homeostasis and prevent progression to severe respiratory failure. A Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT04570319) was conducted to assess the efficacy of this regimen in improving clinical outcomes and reducing symptom severity in COVID-19 patients.

Other names

N-acetyl cysteine + alpha lipoic acid + liposomal glutathioneNAC + ALA + Liposomal GSHAntioxidant cocktail (University Health Network)