Cysteamine

Cysteamine is a medication intended for a number of indications, and approved by the FDA to treat cystinosis. Cysteamine is a medication intended for a number of indications, and approved by the FDA to treat cystinosis. It is a stable aminothiol, i.e., an organic compound containing both an amine and a thiol functional groups. Cysteamine is a white, water-soluble solid. It is often used as salts of the ammonium derivative + including the hydrochloride, phosphocysteamine, and bitartrate. Cysteamine molecule is biosynthesized in mammals, including humans, by the degradation of coenzyme A. The intermediate pantetheine is broken down into cysteamine and pantothenic acid. It is the biosynthetic precursor to the neurotransmitter hypotaurine. Cysteamine is used to treat cystinosis. It is available by mouth (capsule and extended release capsule) and in eye drops.