Abstract: The present invention provides conjugates comprising a sugar such as mannitol and one or more L-DOPA and/or DOPA decarboxylse inhibitors including, inter alia, L-DOPA, carbidopa, benserazide, or a combination thereof, wherein the sugar is conjugated to the carboxyl group of the L-DOPA and/or DOPA decarboxylse inhibitor/ s) via a hydroxyl group of the sugar. The present invention further provides related pharmaceutical compositions and methods of producing the conjugates, as well as methods of use for treating medical disorders responsive to dopamininergic stimulation such as movement disorders including, inter alia, Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract: An amphiphilic compound is provided capable of forming vesicles or liposomes, said amphiphilic compound having at least one headgroup containing a selectively cleavable group or moiety such as a residue of a choline or phenylalanine derivative, and at least one hydrogen-bonding group located either within said headgroup and/or in close proximity thereto. The cleavable group or moiety is cleaved under selective conditions including change of chemical, physical or biological environment and is preferably cleaved enzymatically in a biological environment such as the brain or the blood. Vesicles or liposomes made from said amphiphilic compounds are suitable for delivery of a therapeutic substance or a diagnostic agent specifically to a target organ or tissue, or for delivery of a nucleic acid for gene therapy.