Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of (R)- or (S)-8-chloro-6-hydroxyoctanoic acid alkyl esters of the general formula (R)-II or (S)-II, in which R means C1-4 alkyl, from 8-chloro-6-oxo-octanoic acid alkyl esters of the general formula I, in which R has the above meaning. The desired enantiomers are produced biocatalytically in an enantioselective reduction, wherein as desired the strains Mucor racemosus are used for (S)-II compounds and Geotrichum candidum for (R)-II compounds. The resultant esters may, in known manner, be converted stereospecifically into (R)-?-lipoic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of (R)- or (S)-8-chloro-6-hydroxyoctanoic acid alkyl esters of the general formula (R)-II or (S)-II in which R has the meaning C1-4-alkyl, from 8-chloro-6-oxooctanoic acid alkyl esters of the general formula I in which R has the above meaning, by enzymatic reduction using alcohol dehydrogenases, such as Lactobacillus brevis or Thermoanaerobium brokii, in the presence of cofactor regeneration systems. The resulting (R)- and (S)-8-chloro-6-hydroxyoctanoic acid esters can be converted in a known manner into (R)-?-lipoic acid and (S)-?-lipoic acid, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of (R)- or (S)-8-chloro-6-hydroxyoctanoic acid alkyl esters of the general formula (R)-II or (S)-II, in which R means C1-4 alkyl, from 8-chloro-6-oxo-octanoic acid alkyl esters of the general formula I, in which R has the above meaning. The desired enantiomers are produced biocatalytically in an enantioselective reduction, wherein as desired the strains Mucor racemosus are used for (S)-II compounds and Geotrichum candidum for (R)-II compounds. The resultant esters may, in known manner, be converted stereospecifically into (R)-?-lipoic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to new modifications of the trometamol salt of R-thioctic acid of the formula I, processes for their production, pharmaceutical preparations containing these modifications, and their medical application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of the general formula I in which R1 represents a C1-C20-alkyl group, a C3-C12-cycloalkyl group, a C7-C12-aralkyl group or a mono- or bi-nuclear aryl group, in which a ketone of formula II wherein R1 is as defined above, is subjected to asymmetric hydrogenation.

Abstract: The invention relates to new modifications of the trometamol salt of R-thioctic acid of the formula I, processes for their production, pharmaceutical preparations containing these modifications, and their medical application.

Abstract: The invention relates to new modifications of the trometamol salt of R-thioctic acid of the formula I, 1

Abstract: Pharmaceutical dosage units containing flupirtine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of flupirtine with controlled release of active substance using a delayed-action or controlled-release component. There are 0.001 to 20 parts delayed-action component for each part by weight flupirtine (calculated as the base) and the release rate of flupirtine is between 5 and 300 mg per hour. In some cases, the dosage units may also contain a rapidly releasing component of flupirtine or of one of its salts. The dosage units reduce the sedative effect of flupirtine.

Abstract: Compostions of GLA and/or other EFAs with TA or related compounds, and their use in therapy or nutrition or in preparation of composition for therapy or nutrition, especially to improve cell membrane EFA concentration and/or (particularly in diabetic complications) impaired nerve function and blood flow.

Abstract: Racemic &agr;-lipoic acid or its enantiomers or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or amides thereof can be administrated parenterally at a rate of 50 to 600 mg of active compound, based on racemic &agr;-lipoic acid, per minute.