thioctic acid

Thioctic acid, commonly known as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound that functions as a potent antioxidant and an essential cofactor for mitochondrial multienzyme complexes, such as pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. It plays a critical role in energy metabolism and the regulation of oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species and regenerating endogenous antioxidants like glutathione and vitamins C and E. In clinical research, thioctic acid has been extensively studied for its neuroprotective and vasculoprotective properties. Notably, the Phase 3 RETIPON trial, led by Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, investigated its potential to prevent the development of diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients with type 2 diabetes and early-stage retinopathy. While widely available as a dietary supplement, it is also approved as a pharmaceutical product in certain regions for the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy.

Brand names

ThiotexThiotex 600Thiotex600Thiotex-600Thiotex 300Thiotex300Thiotex-300

Other names

1,2-dithiolane-3-valeric acidalpha-lipoic acidALA1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid6,8-dithiooctanoic acid