The use of lower alkanoyl L-carnitines is disclosed for preparing pharmaceutical compositions (particularly foams and enemas) for treating chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, in particular ulcerative colitis.

L-aminoacyl derivatives of L-carnitine of general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl radical selected from 1-methyl-propyl, isobutyl, isopropyl, mercaptomethyl and 3-guanidino propyl, and their pharmacologically acceptable salts, are prepared e.g. by reacting a solution in an organic solvent of L-carnitine whose carboxyl group is protected with an N-protected aminoacid in the presence of a condensing agent and then removing the amino-acid and carnitine protecting groups, thus obtaining the desired compound.

L-aminoacyl derivatives of L-carnitine of general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl radical selected from 1-methyl-propyl, isobutyl, isopropyl, mercaptomethyl and 3-guanidino propyl, and their pharmacologically acceptable salts, are prepared e.g. by reacting a solution in an organic solvent of L-carnitine whose carboxyl group is protected with an N-protected aminoacid in the presence of a condensing agent and then removing the aminoacid and carnitine protecting groups, thus obtaining the desired compound.

A radiosensitizer for use in radiotherapy comprises a halogenated DNA ligand. The susceptibility of DNA to radiation damage is enhanced by causing or allowing the halogenated DNA ligand to bind to the DNA before subjecting the DNA or the locus thereof to ionizing or ultraviolet radiation. Radiation damage in DNA is also induced by causing or allowing a halogenated DNA ligand to bind to DNA and irradiating the DNA and said bound ligand or the locus thereof with ionizing or ultraviolet radiation.

A novel therapeutical use of L-carnitine, acyl L-carnitines and the pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof is disclosed for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent patients with a view to enhancing their peripheral glucose utilization.