Ademetionine 500 mg powder and solvent for solution for injection

Treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis in pre-cirrhotic and cirrhotic states in adults.

S-Adenosyl L-methionine (ademetionine) is an amino acid naturally present in the body's tissues and fluids. It intervenes in important biological processes in humans and animals primarily as coenzyme and as methyl group donor (transmethylation reactions). Transmethylation is also essential in the development of the phospholipid double layer of cell membranes and contributes to the fluidity of the membranes. Ademetionine can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and ademetionine-mediated transmethylation is critical in the formation of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system including catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and adrenaline), serotonin, melatonin and histamine.  

Ademetionine is also a precursor of physiological thiol compounds (cysteine, taurine, glutathione, CoA, etc.) (via transsulfuration reactions). Glutathione, the most powerful antioxidant in the liver, is important in liver detoxification. Ademetionine increases glutathione hepatic levels in alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease patients. Both folate and vitamin B12 are essential co-factors in the metabolism and replenishment of ademetionine.