N-acylaminoalkylhydrazin-carboximidamider

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging) using compounds of formula (I), wherein alk is a straight or branched chain alkylene group containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and R is a lower alkyl group containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and their biologically or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises these N-acylaminoalkylhydrazinecarboximidamides, which are capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.