Cysteamine

/ˌsɪsˈteɪ.əˌmiːn/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound derived from cysteine that can break disulfide bonds and is used to treat certain genetic diseases.

Etymology

From 'cysteine' plus '-amine', named for being the amine form of cysteine after modification, used as a drug in nephropathic cystinosis.

Kelly Says

Cysteamine is a literal lifesaver for children with cystinosis—a rare genetic disease where cystine accumulates and damages kidneys; this drug directly removes the toxic buildup and has transformed what was once a terminal childhood disease into a manageable condition.

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