succimer

An orally active mercaptodicarboxylic acid, with heavy metal chelating activity. As a strong chelator, succimer is able to bind to heavy metals, such as lead, in the bloodstream, thereby forming a water-soluble complex that can be eliminated via urinary excretion. This prevents heavy metal poisoning. In addition, succimer is able to chelate the alpha particle emitter and radionuclide polonium Po 210 ((Po-210), thereby increasing its excretion and reducing the toxic effects of Po-210.