Abstract: The invention provides novel polyamine compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for administration in conjunction with cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The compounds are administered locally to provide protection against the adverse side-effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, such as alopecia, mucositis and dermatitis. Pharmaceutical preparations comprising one or more chemoprotective polyamines formulated for topical or local delivery to epithelial or mucosal cells are disclosed. Methods of administering the pharmaceutical preparations are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, 1-step process for preparing a N-(aryl or heteroaryl)-hydroxyurea comprising reacting the corresponding alcohol, ester or ether with hydroxyurea and acid. This reaction is particularly useful for preparing a benzo[b]thienyl substituted N-hydroxyurea of formula: ##STR1## from compound 1: ##STR2## by reacting compound 1 with hydroxyurea and acid. R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, 1-6 carbon alkyl, 1-6 carbon alkoxy, and halogen; R.sup.2 is an 1-4 carbon alkyl; and R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, acyl, methyl, ethyl and mixtures thereof. Additional steps to isolate the pure bulk product follow.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved and efficient process for N-desmethylating the 3'-amino nitrogen of erythromycins and for converting the 3'-N-desmethylated erythromycins into 3'-N-substituted derivatives of 8,9-anhydro-erythromycin 6,9-hemiketals.