TREATMENT OF RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA WITH N- ACETYLCYSTEINE AMIDE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/076,594, filed November 7, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates in general to the field of Retinitis pigmentosa, and more particularly, to a method of treating Retinitis pigmentosa with N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA).

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

[0003] None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is the term used for a genetically heterogenous group of inherited retinal degenerations. Findings may be limited to the eyes or the eye findings may be part of a syndrome the most common of which is Usher's Syndrome in which deafness accompanies the retinal disease. In each disorder the inciting event is a mutation that leads to the death of rod photoreceptors, initially causing night blindness. Rods are the major consumers of oxygen in the retina and the loss of rods causes an increase in the tissue oxygen level in the outer retina. This activates NADPH oxidase causing accumulation of superoxide radicals in the cytosol and also increases their generation in mitochondria of cones. The excess superoxide radicals overwhelm superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 (SOD 1 and SOD2) and cause a chain reaction by which other free radicals are generated including some that are even more damaging than superoxide radicals, such as hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. The free radicals attack proteins, lipids, and DNA causing specific modifications that indicate that oxidative damage has occurred. Oxidative damage to lipids results in lipid hydroperoxides that break down to form 4-hydroxynonenal, malondialdehyde (MDA), and acrolein. The most common modification to proteins from oxidative damage is the formation of carbonyl adducts. Measurements of these markers of oxidative damage, such as MDA or the carbonyl adducts, provide a quantitative assessment of the amount of oxidative damage that has occurred in a tissue. These modifications can impair the function of macromolecules and while there are endogenous repair processes, they are overwhelmed by severe oxidative stress resulting in reduced cellular function and eventually apoptosis. After rods are eliminated from the photoreceptor layer, oxidative stress in the outer retina is severe and leads to gradual cone cell death usually starting in the midperiphery where cone density is low and then spreading peripherally and posteriorly. The posterior spread of cone death results in constriction of the visual field and eventually a central island of vision and its elimination causes blindness.

[0005] Clinical signs of RP include pigmentary changes in the retina, often around blood vessels and characterized as "bone spicule-like pigmentation", constriction of retinal vessels, and optic disc pallor. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography can show thinning of the retina in areas of photoreceptor cell loss and with segmentation the loss is seen in the outer nuclear layer. Visual field testing shows constriction of the visual fields and electroretinograms show reduced a- and b-wave amplitudes.

[0006] Currently, there is no approved therapy that stops the evolution of the disease or restores vision. The therapeutic approach is restricted to slowing down the degenerative process by sunlight protection and vitamin A supplementation, treating complications (cataract and macular edema), and helping patients to cope with the social and psychological impact of blindness. Although the Argis II Retinal Prosthesis System was approved by FDA in 2013 as an implanted device to treat adults with severe RP, it only produces the sensation of light, thereby helping patients identify the location or movement of objects and people; the device is not disease modifying. Based on studies in animal models described below, NACA is able to treat RP in vivo.

[0007] The present inventors had previously found that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a well-known thiol antioxidant, reduces cone cell death and preserves cone function in models of RP. N-acetyl- L-cysteine (NAC) is a well-known thiol-containing antioxidant that has been approved by FDA as an antidote for acetaminophen intoxication and has been used in the clinic for over 50 years for indications including mucolytic therapy for respiratory conditions with excessive and/or thick mucus production, prevention of radiocontrast-induced nephrotoxicity, treatment of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis, and reduction of symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar disease. NAC's effectiveness has been primarily attributed to its ability to reduce extracellular cystine to cysteine and as a source of sulfhydryl groups. However, use of NAC has been limited by several drawbacks, most importantly low membrane penetration and <10% systemic bioavailability for oral formulations. Disulfide linkage to proteins and deacetylation of NAC in the intestinal mucosa and lumen are probably the greatest factors in the low oral bioavailability of NAC.

[0008] As such, there still exists a need for novel compositions and methods for treatment of retinitis pigmentosa.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa in an animal that comprises administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA). In one aspect, the NACA is provided in or with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another aspect, the NACA is administered intraocularly, subretinally, intravitreally, orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, intramedullarily, intrathecally, intraventricularly, transdermaly, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intranasally, enterally, topically, sublingually, or rectally. In another aspect, the NACA is administered in daily doses of about 0.5 to 150 mg/Kg. In another aspect, NACA is administered two or three times daily. In another aspect, NACA is administered with a second active agent selected from at least one of ascorbic acid, cysteine hydrochloride, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), lecithin, propyl gallate, a-tocopherol, citric acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sorbitol, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, and selenium. In another aspect, the dose for administration is 100, 150, 150, 300, 333, 400, 500, 600, 700, 750, 800, 900, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, 7,500, or 10,000 mg per dose. In another aspect, the dose for administration is 0.1-0.25, 0.1-0.4, 0.35-0.5, 0.5-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-2.5, 2.5-3.5, 4-6, 5-8, 6- 9, 7-10 grams per dose. In another aspect, the NACA is delivered orally via a mini-tablet, capsule, tablet, effervescent, dual release, mixed release, sachet, powder, or liquid. In another aspect, the NACA is administered prophylactically to prevent retinitis pigmentosa. In another aspect, the animal is a human.

[0010] In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa comprising: identifying a human in need of treatment for retinitis pigmentosa; and administering to the human a therapeutically effective amount of N- acetylcysteine amide (NACA) sufficient to treat retinitis pigmentosa. In one aspect, the NACA is provided in or with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another aspect, the NACA is administered intraocularly, subretinally, intravitreally, orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, intramedullarily, intrathecally, intraventricularly, transdermaly, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intranasally, enterally, topically, sublingually, or rectally. In another aspect, the NACA is administered in daily doses of about 0.5 to 150 mg/Kg. In another aspect, NACA is administered two or three times daily. In another aspect, NACA is administered with a second active agent selected from at least one of ascorbic acid, cysteine hydrochloride, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), lecithin, propyl gallate, a-tocopherol, citric acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sorbitol, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, and selenium. In another aspect, the dose for administration is 100, 150, 150, 300, 333, 400, 500, 600, 700, 750, 800, 900, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, 7,500, or 10,000 mg per dose. In another aspect, the dose for administration is 0.1-0.25, 0.1-0.4, 0.35-0.5, 0.5-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-2.5, 2.5-3.5, 4-6, 5-8, 6- 9, 7-10 grams per dose. In another aspect, the NACA is delivered orally via a mini-tablet, capsule, tablet, effervescent, dual release, mixed release, sachet, powder, or liquid. In another aspect, the NACA is administered prophylactically to prevent retinitis pigmentosa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:

[0012] Figures 1A to IE are graphs that show that 7 mg/ml NACA provides better effects than 7 mg/ml NAC in protecting retinal function.

[0013] Figures 2 A to 2L are micrographs that show that 7 mg/ml NACA provides better effects than 7 mg/ml NAC in protecting cone cell survival. Figure 2M is a graph that shows the cone cell survival.

[0014] Figures 3 A to 3E are graphs that show that 7 mg/ml NACA provides better effects than 20mg/ml NAC in protecting retinal function.

[0015] Figures 4 A to 4L are micrographs that show that 7 mg/ml NACA has better effect than 20mg/ml NAC in protecting cone cell survival. Figure 4M is a graph that shows the cone survival. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

[0017] Retinitis pigmentosa ("RP") comprises a large group of inherited vision disorders that cause progressive loss of photoreceptor cells of the retina, leading to severe vision impairment and often incurable blindness. The most common form of RP is a rod-cone dystrophy, in which the first symptom is night blindness, followed by progressive loss in the peripheral visual field in daylight, and eventually leading to blindness after several decades. As a common pathology, rod photoreceptors die early, whereas light-insensitive, morphologically altered cone photoreceptors persist longer.

[0018] N-acetyl-L-cysteine amide (NACA), also known as (R)-2-(acetylamino)-3-mercapto- propanamide, N-acetyl-L-cysteinamide, or acetylcysteinamide, has the structure:

[0019] N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA), the amide form of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), acts as a carrier of NAC.

[0020] Currently, there is no approved therapy that stops the evolution of the disease or restores vision. The therapeutic approach is restricted to slowing down the degenerative process by sunlight protection and vitamin A supplementation, treating complications (cataract and macular edema), and helping patients to cope with the social and psychological impact of blindness. Although the Argis II Retinal Prosthesis System was approved by FDA in 2013 as an implanted device to treat adults with severe RP, it only produces the sensation of light, thereby helping patients identify the location or movement of objects and people; the device is not disease modifying. Based on studies in animal models described below, NACA is able to treat RP in vivo. [0021] Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide, c-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine, found in all mammalian tissues. It has several important functions including detoxification of electrophiles, scavenging ROS, maintaining the thiol status of proteins, and regeneration of the reduced forms of vitamins C and E. GSH is the dominant non-protein thiol in mammalian cells; as such it is essential in maintaining the intracellular redox balance and the essential thiol status of proteins. Also, it is necessary for the function of some antioxidant enzymes such as the glutathione peroxidases.

[0022] Intracellular GSH levels are determined by the balance between production and loss. Production results from de novo synthesis and regeneration of GSH from GSSG by GSSG reductase. Generally there is sufficient capacity in the GSSG reductase system to maintain all intracellular GSH in the reduced state, so little can be gained by ramping up that pathway. The major source of loss of intracellular GSH is transport out of cells. Intracellular GSH levels range from 1-8 mM while extracellular levels are only a few μΜ; this large concentration gradient essentially precludes transport of GSH into cells and once it is transported out of cells, it is rapidly degraded by γ-glutamyltranspeptidase. Inhibition of GSH transporters could theoretically increase intracellular GSH levels, but is potentially problematic because the transporters are not specific for GSH and their suppression could lead imbalance of other amino acids and peptides. Thus, intracellular GSH levels are modulated primarily by changes in synthesis.

[0023] GSH is synthesized in the cytosol of virtually all cells by two ATP -requiring enzymatic steps: L-glutamate + L-cysteine +ATP→ γ-glutamyl-L-cysteine + ADP +Pi and γ-glutamyl-L- cysteine +L-glycine + ATP→ GSH + ADP + Pi. The first reaction is rate-limiting and is catalyzed by glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL, EC 6.3.2.2). GCL is composed of a 73Kd heavy catalytic subunit (GCLC) and a 30Kd modifier subunit (GCLM), which are encoded by different genes. GCCL is regulated by nonallosteric competitive inhibition by GSH (Ki=2.3mM) and by the availability of L-cysteine. The apparent Km of GLC for glutamate isl .8 mM and intracellular glutamate concentration is roughly 10-fold higher so that glutamate is not limiting, but the Km for cysteine is 0.1-0.3 mM, which approximates its intracellular concentration. The second reaction is catalyzed by GSH synthase (GS, EC 6.3.2.3), which is 118 Kd and composed of two identical subunits. While GS is not felt to be important in regulation of GSH synthesis under normal conditions, it may play a role under stressful conditions because in response to surgical trauma, GSH levels and GS activity were reduced while GCL activity was unchanged. Furthermore, compared to increased expression of GCLC alone, increased expression of both GCLC and GS resulted in higher levels of GSH. In order to maximize the effects of increasing synthetic enzymes, it is necessary to provide increased levels of cysteine. In cultured neurons, 90% of cysteine uptake occurs through by the sodium-dependent excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) system. There are five EAATs and cysteine uptake by neurons occurs predominantly by EAAT3 more commonly known as excitatory amino acid carrier- 1 (EAAC1). Under normal circumstances most EAAC1 is in the ER and only translocates to the plasma membrane when activated. This translocation is negatively regulated by glutamate transporter associated protein 3-18 (GTRAP3-18) and suppression of GTRAP3-18 increases GSH levels in neurons. Thus, internalization of cysteine provides a road block for GSH synthesis, but fortunately it can be bypassed by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) which readily enters cells even in the absence of activated EAACl . Systemically administered NAC gains access to the CNS, increases GSH levels, and provides benefit in neurodegenerative disorders in which oxidative stress is an important part of the pathogenesis. The present inventors have demonstrated that orally administered NAC promotes long term survival of cones in a model of RP.

[0024] All cellular compartments must be protected against oxidative damage, including the cytoplasm, mitochondria and the nucleus. The present inventors have previously performed gene transfer of enzymes that detoxify reactive oxygen species, but that approach requires expression of two enzymes in the cytoplasm and two enzymes in mitochondria. In contrast, the present invention provides for protection of all cellular compartments with expression of only two enzymes in the cytosol because GSH is able to diffuse everywhere throughout cells.

[0025] NAC is used for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose at a dose of 140 mg/kg as the loading dose, followed by 70 mg/kg every 4 hours for 17 doses, starting 4 hours after the loading dose. In clinical studies, NAC has been administered orally from 400 to 1000 mg once daily and from 200 to 600 mg three times daily. However, following an oral dose of 600 mg in humans, NAC is rapidly absorbed and then rapidly cleared. The plasma half-life of NAC has been reported to be 2.5 hours and no NAC is detectable 10-12 hours after administration. During absorption, NAC is rapidly metabolized to cysteine, which is a direct precursor of glutathione. Based on this evidence, including that NACA is a precursor and/or carrier for NAC, it was expected that NACA would act similarly to NAC in vivo. However, the present inventors demonstrate that NACA acts very differently from NAC for the treatment of RP. [0026] In accordance with an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for the prevention, amelioration, or treatment of a disease or condition associated with oxidative stress in a subject comprising administration of a therapeutically effective amount of NACA, to increase the amount of glutathione expressed in the tissues of the subject. [0027] As used herein, "active oxygen species" or "reactive oxygen species" are understood as understood as transfer of one or two electrons produces superoxide, an anion with the form O2 , or peroxide anions, having the formula of O2 ^2" or compounds containing an 0-0 single bond, for example hydrogen peroxides and lipid peroxides. Such superoxides and peroxides are highly reactive and can cause damage to cellular components including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.

[0028] An "agent" is understood herein to include a therapeutically active compound or a potentially therapeutic active compound, e.g., an antioxidant. An agent can be a previously known or unknown compound. As used herein, an agent is typically a non-cell based compound, however, an agent can include a biological therapeutic agent, e.g., peptide or nucleic acid therapeutic, e.g., siRNA, shRNA, cytokine, antibody, etc.

[0029] As used herein "amelioration" or "treatment" is understood as meaning to lessen or decrease at least one sign, symptom, indication, or effect of a specific disease or condition. For example, amelioration or treatment of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) can be to reduce, delay, or eliminate one or more signs or symptoms of RP including, but not limited to, a reduction in night vision, a reduction in overall visual acuity, a reduction in visual field, a reduction in the cone density in one or more quadrants of the retina, thinning of retina, particularly the outer nuclear layer, reduction in a- or b-wave amplitudes on scotopic or photopic electroretinograms (ERGs); or any other clinically acceptable indicators of disease state or progression. Amelioration and treatment can require the administration of more than one dose of an agent, either alone or in conjunction with other therapeutic agents and interventions. Amelioration or treatment does not require that the disease or condition be cured.

[0030] "Antioxidant" as used herein is understood as a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Such reactions can be promoted by or produce superoxide anions or peroxides. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions by being oxidized themselves. As a result, antioxidants are often reducing agents such as thiols, ascorbic acid or polyphenols. Antioxidants include, but are not limited to, a-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, Mn(III)tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin, a-lipoic acid, and n-acetylcysteine.

[0031] "Co-administration" as used herein is understood as administration of one or more agents to a subject such that the agents are present and active in the subject at the same time. Co- adminsitration does not require a preparation of an admixture of the agents or simultaneous administration of the agents. [0032] The terms "effective amount," or "effective dose" refers to that amount of an agent to produce the intended pharmacological, therapeutic or preventive result. The pharmacologically effective amount results in the amelioration of one or more signs or symptoms of a disease or condition or the advancement of a disease or condition, or causes the regression of the disease or condition. For example, a therapeutically effective amount preferably refers to the amount of a therapeutic agent that decreases the loss of night vision, the loss of overall visual acuity, the loss of visual field, by at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%>, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%), at least 80%>, at least 85%, at least 90%>, at least 95%, or more as compared to an untreated control subject over a defined period of time, e.g., 2 weeks, one month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, one year, 2 years, 5 years, or longer. More than one dose may be required to provide an effective dose.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "effective" and "effectiveness" includes both pharmacological effectiveness and physiological safety. Pharmacological effectiveness refers to the ability of the treatment to result in a desired biological effect in the patient. Physiological safety refers to the level of toxicity, or other adverse physiological effects at the cellular, organ and/or organism level (often referred to as side-effects) resulting from administration of the treatment. On the other hand, the term "ineffective" indicates that a treatment does not provide sufficient pharmacological effect to be therapeutically useful, even in the absence of deleterious effects, at least in the unstratified population. (Such a treatment may be ineffective in a subgroup that can be identified by the expression profile or profiles.) "Less effective" means that the treatment results in a therapeutically significant lower level of pharmacological effectiveness and/or a therapeutically greater level of adverse physiological effects, e.g., greater liver toxicity.

[0034] Thus, in connection with the administration of a drug, a drug which is "effective against" a disease or condition indicates that administration in a clinically appropriate manner results in a beneficial effect for at least a statistically significant fraction of patients, such as an improvement of symptoms, a cure, a reduction in disease signs or symptoms, extension of life, improvement in quality of life, or other effect generally recognized as positive by medical doctors familiar with treating the particular type of disease or condition.

[0035] "Oxidative stress related ocular disorders" as used herein include, but are not limited to, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration including age related macular degeneration (AMD) both wet and dry, diabetic retinopathy, Lebers optic neuropathy, and optic neuritis.

[0036] "Peroxidases" or "a peroxide metabolizing enzyme" are a large family of enzymes that typically catalyze a reaction of the form:

[0037] ROOR ¹ + electron donor (2 e-) + 2H+→ ROH + R^H For many of these enzymes the optimal substrate is hydrogen peroxide, wherein each R is H, but others are more active with organic hydroperoxides such as lipid peroxides. Peroxidases can contain a heme co factor in their active sites, or redox -active cysteine or selenocysteine residues.

[0038] The phrase "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" is art recognized and includes a pharmaceutically acceptable material, composition or vehicle, suitable for administering compounds of the present invention to mammals. The carriers include liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, solvent or encapsulating material, involved in carrying or transporting the subject agent from one organ, or portion of the body, to another organ, or portion of the body. Each carrier must be "acceptable" in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not injurious to the patient. For example, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for administration of cells typically is a carrier acceptable for delivery by injection, and do not include agents such as detergents or other compounds that could damage the cells to be delivered. Some examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include: sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches, such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulose, and its derivatives, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients, such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils, such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; glycols, such as propylene glycol; polyols, such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; esters, such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents, such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen- free water; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol; phosphate buffer solutions; and other non-toxic compatible substances employed in pharmaceutical formulations, particularly phosphate buffered saline solutions which are preferred for intraocular delivery.

[0039] Wetting agents, emulsifiers and lubricants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and magnesium stearate, as well as coloring agents, release agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring and perfuming agents, preservatives and antioxidants can also be present in the compositions.

[0040] Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable antioxidants include: water soluble antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, cysteine hydrochloride, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite and the like; oil-soluble antioxidants, such as ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), lecithin, propyl gallate, a- tocopherol, and the like; and metal chelating agents, such as citric acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sorbitol, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like.

[0041] Formulations of the present invention include those suitable for oral, nasal, topical, transdermal, buccal, sublingual, intramuscular, intraperotineal, intraocular, intravitreal, subretinal, and/or other routes of parenteral administration. The specific route of administration will depend, inter alia, on the specific cell to be targeted. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any methods well known in the art of pharmacy. The amount of active ingredient that can be combined with a carrier material to produce a single dosage form will generally be that amount of the compound that produces a therapeutic effect. [0042] As used herein, "plurality" is understood to mean more than one. For example, a plurality refers to at least two, three, four, five, or more.

[0043] A "polypeptide" or "peptide" as used herein is understood as two or more independently selected natural or non-natural amino acids joined by a covalent bond (e.g., a peptide bond). A peptide can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more natural or non-natural amino acids joined by peptide bonds. Polypeptides as described herein include full length proteins (e.g., fully processed proteins) as well as shorter amino acids sequences (e.g., fragments of naturally occurring proteins or synthetic polypeptide fragments).

[0044] As used herein, "prevention" is understood as to limit, reduce the rate or degree of onset, or inhibit the development of at least one sign or symptom of a disease or condition particularly in a subject prone to developing the disease or disorder. For example, a subject having a mutation in a gene, such as the opsin gene, is likely to develop RP. The age of onset of one or more symptoms of the disease can sometimes be determined by the specific mutation. Prevention can include the delay of onset of one or more signs or symptoms of RP and need not be prevention of appearance of at least one sign or symptom of the disease throughout the lifetime of the subject. Prevention can require the administration of more than one dose of an agent or therapeutic.

[0045] "Small molecule" as used herein is understood as a compound, typically an organic compound, having a molecular weight of no more than about 1500 Da, 1000 Da, 750 Da, or 500 Da. In an embodiment, a small molecule does not include a polypeptide or nucleic acid including only natural amino acids and/or nucleotides. [0046] A "subject" as used herein refers to living organisms. In certain embodiments, the living organism is an animal, in certain preferred embodiments, the subject is a mammal, in certain embodiments, the subject is a domesticated mammal or a primate including a non-human primate. Examples of subjects include humans, monkeys, dogs, cats, mice, rats, cows, horses, goats, and sheep. A human subject may also be referred to as a patient. [0047] A subject "suffering from or suspected of suffering from" a specific disease, condition, or syndrome has a sufficient number of risk factors or presents with a sufficient number or combination of signs or symptoms of the disease, condition, or syndrome such that a competent individual would diagnose or suspect that the subject was suffering from the disease, condition, or syndrome. Methods for identification of subjects suffering from or suspected of suffering from conditions such as RP and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is within the ability of those in the art. Subjects suffering from, and suspected of suffering from, a specific disease, condition, or syndrome are not necessarily two distinct groups.

[0048] As used herein, "superoxide dismutase" is understood as an enzyme that dismutation of superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Examples include, but are not limited to SOD1, SOD2, and SOD3. SOD1 and SOD3 are two isoforms of Cu-Zn-containing superoxide dismutase enzymes exist in mammals. Cu-Zn-SOD or SOD1, is found in the intracellular space, and extracellular SOD (ECSOD or SOD3) predominantly is found in the extracellular matrix of most tissues.

[0049] "Therapeutically effective amount," as used herein refers to an amount of an agent which is effective, upon single or multiple dose administration to the cell or subject, in prolonging the survivability of the patient with such a disorder, reducing one or more signs or symptoms of the disorder, preventing or delaying and the like beyond that expected in the absence of such treatment.

[0050] An agent or other therapeutic intervention can be administered to a subject, either alone or in combination with one or more additional therapeutic agents or interventions, as a pharmaceutical composition in mixture with conventional excipient, e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, or therapeutic treatments.

[0051] The pharmaceutical agents may be conveniently administered in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the pharmaceutical arts, e.g., as described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Pub. Co., Easton, PA, 1985). Formulations for parenteral administration may contain as common excipients such as sterile water or saline, polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol, oils of vegetable origin, hydrogenated naphthalenes and the like. In particular, biocompatible, biodegradable lactide polymer, lactide/glycolide copolymer, or polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymers may be useful excipients to control the release of certain agents.

[0052] The present invention is directed to the use of NACA to treat RP. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa in a human that comprises administering to the human a therapeutically effective amount of NACA. In some embodiments, the NACA is provided in or with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In other embodiments, the NACA is administered intraocularly, subretinally, intravitreally, orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, intramedullarily, intrathecally, intraventricularly, transdermaly, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intranasally, enterally, topically, sublingually, or rectally.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the actual preferred amounts of active compounds used in a given therapy will vary according to e.g., the specific compound being utilized, the particular composition formulated, the mode of administration and characteristics of the subject, e.g., the species, sex, weight, general health and age of the subject. Optimal administration rates for a given protocol of administration can be readily ascertained by those skilled in the art using conventional dosage determination tests conducted with regard to the foregoing guidelines.

[0054] Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of the values within the range.

[0055] As used herein, the embodiments of this invention are defined to include pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof. A "pharmaceutically acceptable derivative" means any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, salt of an ester, or other derivative of a compound of this invention which, upon administration to a recipient, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound of this invention. Particularly favored derivatives are those that increase the bioavailability of the compounds of this invention when such compounds are administered to a mammal (e.g., by allowing an orally administered compound to be more readily absorbed into the blood, to increase serum stability or decrease clearance rate of the compound) or which enhance delivery of the parent compound to a biological compartment (e.g., the brain or lymphatic system) relative to the parent species. Derivatives include derivatives where a group which enhances aqueous solubility or active transport through the gut membrane is appended to the structure of formulae described herein.

[0056] The embodiments of this invention may be modified by appending appropriate functionalities to enhance selective biological properties. Such modifications are known in the art and include those which increase biological penetration into a given biological compartment (e.g., blood, lymphatic system, central nervous system), increase oral availability, increase solubility to allow administration by injection, alter metabolism and alter rate of excretion. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include those derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of suitable acid salts include acetate, adipate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, butyrate, citrate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, formate, fumarate, glycolate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, lactate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2- naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, palmoate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, tosylate and undecanoate. Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal (e.g., sodium), alkaline earth metal (e.g., magnesium), ammonium and N-(alkyl) ₄ + salts. This invention also envisions the quaternization of any basic nitrogen- containing groups of the compounds disclosed herein. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products may be obtained by such quaternization.

[0057] The embodiments of the invention can, for example, be administered by injection, intraocularly, intravitreally, subretinal, intravenously, intraarterially, subdermally, intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously; or orally, buccally, nasally, transmucosally, directly to a diseases organ by catheter, topically, or in an ophthalmic preparation, with a dosage ranging from about 0.001 to about 100 mg/kg of body weight, or according to the requirements of the particular drug and more preferably from 0.5-10 mg/kg of body weight. It is understood that when a compound is delivered directly to the eye, considerations such as body weight have less bearing on the dose.

[0058] Frequency of dosing will depend on the agent administered, the progression of the disease or condition in the subject, and other considerations known to those of skill in the art. For example, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations for compositions delivered to the eye, or even compartments within the eye, are different, e.g., clearance in the subretinal space is very low. Therefore, dosing can be as infrequent as once a month, once every three months, once every six months, once a year, once every five years, or less. If systemic administration of antioxidants is to be performed in conjunction with administration of expression constructs to the subretinal space, it is expected that the dosing frequency of the antioxidant will be higher than the expression construct, e.g., one or more times daily, one or more times weekly. [0059] Dosing may be determined in conjunction with monitoring of one or more signs or symptoms of the disease, e.g., visual acuity, visual field, night visions, etc. The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration. A typical preparation will contain from about 1% to about 95% active compound (w/w). Alternatively, such preparations contain from about 20% to about 80%> active compound. Lower or higher doses than those recited above may be required. Specific dosage and treatment regimens for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors, including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health status, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity and course of the disease, condition or symptoms, the patient's disposition to the disease, condition or symptoms, and the judgment of the treating physician. [0060] The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable preparation, for example, as a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents (such as, for example, TWEEN® 80) and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are mannitol, water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives are useful in the preparation of injectables, as are natural pharmaceutically-acceptable oils, such as olive oil or castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant, or carboxymethyl cellulose or similar dispersing agents which are commonly used in the formulation of pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms such as emulsions and or suspensions. Other commonly used surfactants such as TWEENs® or SPANs® and/or other similar emulsifying agents or bioavailability enhancers which are commonly used in the manufacture of pharmaceutically acceptable solid, liquid, or other dosage forms may also be used for the purposes of formulation.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, NACA is administered in daily doses of about 0.5 to 150 mg/Kg. In other embodiments, NACA is administered two or three times daily. In another aspect, NACA is administered with a second active agent selected from ascorbic acid, cysteine hydrochloride, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite and the like; oil-soluble antioxidants, such as ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), lecithin, propyl gallate, a-tocopherol, and the like; and metal chelating agents, such as citric acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sorbitol, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like..

[0062] In some embodiments, the dose of NACA for administration is 100, 150, 150, 300, 333, 400, 500, 600, 700, 750, 800, 900, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, 7,500, or 10,000 mg per dose. In another aspect, the dose for administration is 0.1-0.25, 0.1-0.4, 0.35-0.5, 0.5-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-2.5, 2.5-3.5, 4-6, 5-8, 6-9, 7-10 grams per dose. In another aspect, the NACA is delivered orally via a mini-tablet, capsule, tablet, effervescent, dual release, mixed release, sachet, powder, or liquid. In another aspect, the NACA is administered prophylactically to prevent RP.

[0063] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for the treatment of RP comprising: identifying a human in need of treatment for retinitis pigmentosa; and administering to the human a therapeutically effective amount of NACA sufficient to treat RP. It will be understood that, as with the other embodiments defined above, NACA is administered in daily doses of about 0.5 to 150 mg/Kg. In another aspect, NACA is administered two or three times daily. In another aspect, NACA is administered with a second active agent as disclosed above.

[0064] In another aspect, the dose of NACA for administration is 100, 150, 150, 300, 333, 400, 500, 600, 700, 750, 800, 900, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, 7,500, or 10,000 mg per dose. In another aspect, the dose for administration is 0.1-0.25, 0.1-0.4, 0.35-0.5, 0.5-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-2.5, 2.5-3.5, 4-6, 5-8, 6-9, 7-10 grams per dose. In another aspect, the NACA is delivered orally via a mini-tablet, capsule, tablet, effervescent, dual release, mixed release, sachet, powder, or liquid. In another aspect, NACA is administered prophylactically to prevent RP. [0065] As used herein, "susceptible to" or "prone to" or "predisposed to" a specific disease or condition and the like refers to an individual who based on genetic, environmental, health, and/or other risk factors is more likely to develop a disease or condition than the general population. An increase in likelihood of developing a disease may be an increase of about 10%, 20%, 50%>, 100%, 150%, 200%, or more. EXAMPLES

[0066] Starting at postnatal day (P) 14, rdl0 ^+/+ mice were given normal drinking water (n=6) or water containing 7 mg/ml NACA, or 7 mg/ml NAC, or 20 mg/ml NAC (n=8 for each group). Scotopic and photopic electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded at P35. Scotopic, photopic and low background photopic ERGs were recorded at P50. [0067] Cone density was measured at P50 in four 230 mm x 230 mm (512 x 512 pixels) areas located 0.5 mm superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal to the center of the optic nerve in retinal flat mounts stained with fluorescein-labeled peanut agglutinin (PNA).

[0068] It was found that, at P35, both mean peak scotopic ERG b-wave amplitude and mean peak photopic b-wave amplitude in rdl0 ^+/+ mice treated with 7 mg/ml NACA were more than 2-fold greater than those in rdl0 ^+/+ mice treated with 7 mg/ml NAC, and 3 -fold greater than those in control rdl0 ^+/+ mice. At P50, scotopic and photopic ERG b-waves in NACA-treated mice showed 3-fold greater amplitudes than those in rdl0 ^+/+ mice treated with 7mg/ml NAC, or control rdl0 ^+/+ mice. Figures 1 A to IE are graphs that show that 7 mg/ml NAC A provides better effects than 7 mg/ml NAC in protecting retinal function. As shown in Figures 1A to IE, the following were measured: scotopic b-wave amplitude (Figures 1A, 1C), photopic b-wave amplitude (Figures IB, ID), and low background photopic b-wave (Figure IE). Cone cell density was significantly greater in 3 of 4 quadrants in NACA-treated mice compared to NAC -treated mice, p<0.0001 by ANOVA with Dunnett's correction for multiple comparisons. Figures 2A to 2L are micrographs that show that 7 mg/ml NAC A provides better effects than 7 mg/ml NAC in protecting cone cell survival. Figure 2M is a graph that shows the cone cell survival as measured by cone density at the superior, inferior, temporal and nasal areas.

[0069] Comparing with those treated with 20 mg/ml NAC, rdl0 ^+/+ mice treated with 7 mg/ml NACA show similar mean peak scotopic ERG b-wave amplitude at P35. Mean peak photopic b- wave amplitude was 41% higher (p=0.024) in NACA-treated mice than NAC -treated mice and both were more than 3-fold higher than that in controls. At P50, mean peak scotopic ERG b-wave amplitude in 20 mg/ml NAC- or 7 mg/ml NACA-treated mice showed sustained higher amplitudes than those in controls with mean b-wave amplitudes significantly greater in NACA- treated mice compared with NAC -treated mice at 10 of 11 stimulus intensities. Mean photopic ERG b-wave amplitude was 50% higher (p=0.001) at all 3 stimulus intensities in NACA-treated versus NAC -treated mice and more than 4-fold greater than controls. Figures 3A to 3E are graphs that show that 7 mg/ml NACA provides better effects than 20mg/ml NAC in protecting retinal function. As shown in Figures 3 A to 3E, the following were measured: scotopic b-wave amplitude (Figures 3A, 3C), photopic b-wave amplitude (Figures 3B, 3D), and low background photopic b- wave (Figure 3E). Cone cell density was significantly greater in 2 of 4 quadrants in NACA- treated mice compared to NAC -treated mice (Figures 4A to 4L). Figures 4A to 4L are micrographs that show that 7 mg/ml NACA has better effect than 20mg/ml NAC in protecting cone cell survival. Figure 4M is a graph that shows the cone survival as measured by cone density at the superior, inferior, temporal and nasal areas. [0070] Surprisingly, at the same oral dose, or even with a substantially lower dose, NACA showed significantly greater preservation of cone cell function and cone survival compared with NAC in rdl0 ^+/+ mice. This is surprising because NACA is a precursor of NAC and it would not have been expected that the precursor would lead to a significantly different in vivo effect.

[0071] It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method, kit, reagent, or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

[0072] It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

[0073] All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0074] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." The use of the term "or" in the claims is used to mean "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and "and/or." Throughout this application, the term "about" is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects. [0075] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "include") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open- ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. In embodiments of any of the compositions and methods provided herein, "comprising" may be replaced with "consisting essentially of or "consisting of. As used herein, the phrase "consisting essentially of requires the specified integer(s) or steps as well as those that do not materially affect the character or function of the claimed invention. As used herein, the term "consisting" is used to indicate the presence of the recited integer (e.g., a feature, an element, a characteristic, a property, a method/process step or a limitation) or group of integers (e.g., feature(s), element(s), characteristic(s), propertie(s), method/process steps or limitation(s)) only.

[0076] The term "or combinations thereof as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, "A, B, C, or combinations thereof is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context. [0077] As used herein, words of approximation such as, without limitation, "about", "substantial" or "substantially" refers to a condition that when so modified is understood to not necessarily be absolute or perfect but would be considered close enough to those of ordinary skill in the art to warrant designating the condition as being present. The extent to which the description may vary will depend on how great a change can be instituted and still have one of ordinary skilled in the art recognize the modified feature as still having the required characteristics and capabilities of the unmodified feature. In general, but subject to the preceding discussion, a numerical value herein that is modified by a word of approximation such as "about" may vary from the stated value by at least ±1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 or 15%.

[0078] Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings refer to a "Field of Invention," such claims should not be limited by the language under this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, a description of technology in the "Background of the Invention" section is not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the "Summary" to be considered a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to "invention" in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

[0079] All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.