| abstract |
A mucolytic agent represented by formula (Ia)-(Id) is provided: wherein structural variables R 1 , R 2 , R 5 and R 6 are as defined herein. Various methods of treatment utilizing the mucolytic properties of the compounds represented by Formula (Ia)-(Id) are also provided. One object of the present invention relates to a method of increasing mucus liquefaction in a patient having excess mucus or mucus with increased viscoelastic, viscous or adhesive properties. The method includes the step of contacting mucus of a patient with abnormal or excessive mucus with a composition comprising a mucolytic compound containing a dithiol group to reduce mucus viscoelasticity by reducing mucin disulfide bonds. |