Method for reducing copper levels and treating copper toxicosis

摘要

A method for reducing copper levels in a patient and for treating copper toxicosis and Wilson's Disease is disclosed that includes administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an amine polymer, wherein the amine polymer is substantially water-insoluble or non-absorbent in the gastrointestinal tract. In one embodiment, the amine polymer is aliphatic. Examples of polymers that are useful in an embodiment of the invention include sevelamer hydrogen chloride and colesevelam. The invention includes the use of amine polymers such as a cross-linked polymer characterized by a repeat unit having the formula: chemistry chemdraw filechemistry mol file;and salts and copolymers thereof, where n is a positive integer and x is zero or an integer between 1 and about 4. Also described is a use, for the manufacture of a medicament, of a polymer that reduces copper levels in a patient.