HMR 1556 is a chromanol derivative and is an IKs blocker (IC50s of 10.5 nM and 34 nM in canine and guinea pig left ventricular myocytes, respectively).
α-Lipoic acid is a cyclic disulfide antioxidant that interconverts with its reduced dithiol form. It is an essential cofactor for decarboxylation reactions of the citric acid cycle and acts as a general antioxidant. AN-7 is a more lipophilic analog of α-lipoic acid with enhanced potency and 1.5-fold increased maximal capacity to stimulate glucose transport into myocytes. This identifies the analogs of lipoic acid as potential new treatments for diabetes.