A prodrug having antioxidant activity, including a phosphorylated compound
having a thiol group. A method of treating oxidative stress by
administering a prodrug of a phosphorylated compound including a thiol
group, removing a phosphate group of the prodrug, and treating oxidative
stress. A method of increasing bioavailability of a thiol compound by
creating a prodrug by phosphorylating a thiol compound, administering the
prodrug, preventing first pass metabolism of the prodrug, removing a
phosphate group from the prodrug, and providing active drug to a site in
need of therapy from oxidative stress. A method of preventing radiation
damage to healthy tissue by administering a prodrug comprising a
phosphorylated compound including a thiol group, removing a phosphate
group of the prodrug to provide active drug, and preventing radiation
damage to healthy tissue.