The present invention relates to
malonic acid and its derivatives according to the following formula (I) for use as an agent for promoting
metallothionein biosynthesis in a patient: # imgabs0 # wherein X and Y are each independently selected from the group consisting of O-M +,-OR1 and-NR2R3 wherein M + is selected from the group consisting of a monovalent or multivalent
metal cation,-OR1 is selected from the group consisting of a monovalent or multivalent
metal cation, and-R2R3 is selected from the group consisting of a monovalent or multivalent
metal cation. And R1, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from
hydrogen and a saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 25 carbon atoms wherein one or more carbon atoms are optionally substituted by O or N, and wherein R2 and R3 are optionally bonded to each other and form a heterocyclic hydrocarbyl group together with a
nitrogen atom. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of formula (I).