Abstract: The instant invention constitutes an unique subject matter as a whole which has four individual aspects: (1) a class of chiral, non-racemic, synthetic carnitinoid analog carrier molecules which constitute biocompatible transport compounds not found in nature; (2) a subsequently formed, mitochondria-targeting, coupled antioxidant-carrier complex comprising an antioxidant reversibly attached to and releasable from the synthetic carrier molecule; (3) a method for introducing a biologically active antioxidant into the interior of mitochondria of a living cell for subsequent reaction with such reactive oxygen species may then be present; and (4) a system for delivering a biologically active antioxidant to the interior of mitochondria within a living cell.

Abstract: The instant invention constitutes an unique subject matter as a whole which has four individual aspects: (1) a class of chiral, non-racemic, synthetic carnitinoid analog carrier molecules which constitute biocompatible transport compounds not found in nature; (2) a subsequently formed, mitochondria-targeting, coupled antioxidant-carrier complex comprising an antioxidant reversibly attached to and releasable from the synthetic carrier molecule; (3) a method for introducing a biologically active antioxidant into the interior of mitochondria of a living cell for subsequent reaction with such reactive oxygen species may then be present; and (4) a system for delivering a biologically active antioxidant to the interior of mitochondria within a living cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel targeting drug agents that are targeted for entry into the mitochondria. More specifically, the agents are cisplatin derivatives called mitoplatins which are useful as anti-tumor agents. Mitoplatins are named for their targeting to the mitochondrial DNA via the carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase system. The invention also relates to methods of synthesizing mitoplatins, compositions of matter containing mitoplatins and methods of using the mitoplatins.