Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA)

Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) is a Antioxidant/Mitochondrial cofactor Small molecule drug developed by Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital. It is currently FDA-approved for Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Diabetic complications, Oxidative stress-related conditions.

Alpha-lipoic acid acts as a mitochondrial cofactor and antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and improves cellular energy metabolism.

Alpha-lipoic acid acts as a mitochondrial cofactor and antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and improves cellular energy metabolism. Used for Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Diabetic complications, Oxidative stress-related conditions.

At a glance

Generic name	Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA)
Sponsor	Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital
Drug class	Antioxidant/Mitochondrial cofactor
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Metabolic/Endocrine
Phase	FDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring compound that functions as a coenzyme in mitochondrial dehydrogenase complexes, facilitating energy production. It also acts as a free radical scavenger, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, ALA can regenerate other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, enhancing overall antioxidant defense.

Approved indications

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Diabetic complications
Oxidative stress-related conditions

Common side effects

Nausea
Dizziness
Headache
Rash

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Source	Used for
ClinicalTrials.gov	Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) CI brief — competitive landscape report
Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA)

What is Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA)?

Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) is a Antioxidant/Mitochondrial cofactor drug developed by Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital, indicated for Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Diabetic complications, Oxidative stress-related conditions.

How does Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) work?

Alpha-lipoic acid acts as a mitochondrial cofactor and antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and improves cellular energy metabolism.

What is Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) used for?

Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) is indicated for Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Diabetic complications, Oxidative stress-related conditions.

Who makes Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA)?

Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) is developed and marketed by Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital (see full Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital pipeline at /company/shanghai-zhongshan-hospital).

What drug class is Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) in?

Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) belongs to the Antioxidant/Mitochondrial cofactor class. See all Antioxidant/Mitochondrial cofactor drugs at /class/antioxidant-mitochondrial-cofactor.

What development phase is Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) in?

Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA)?

Common side effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid(α-LA) include Nausea, Dizziness, Headache, Rash.

Drug class: All Antioxidant/Mitochondrial cofactor drugs
Manufacturer: Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital — full pipeline
Therapeutic area: All drugs in Metabolic/Endocrine
Indication: Drugs for Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Indication: Drugs for Diabetic complications
Indication: Drugs for Oxidative stress-related conditions

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing