Monophosphothiamine is thiamine derivative used for the treatment of neuritis, polyneuritis, asthenic conditions (weakness), as an additional remedy for chronic blood circulation insufficiency, chronic gastritis accompanied by motor and secretory disorders functions of the stomach. Monophosphothiamine underwent metabolic phosphorylation to active metabolite thiamine pyrophosphate, that acts as a coenzyme in the different metabolic process.

Cocarboxylase is the coenzyme form of Vitamin B1 present in many animal tissues. Thiamine pyrophosphate (cocarboxylase) is the active form of thiamine, and it serves as a cofactor for several enzymes involved primarily in carbohydrate catabolism. Pancreatic cells obtain thiamin from their surroundings and enzymatically convert it into thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) in the cytoplasm; TPP is then taken up by mitochondria via a specific carrier the mitochondrial TPP transporter (MTPPT; product of the SLC25A19 gene).

Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, plays a key role in the human metabolism. It is present in many dietary sources such as meats, eggs, fish, beans and peas, nuts, and whole grains. Upon administration thiamine is converted by thiamine pyrophosphokinase-1 (TPK1) to the active form, thiamine pyrophosphate, which serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the TCA cycle and the non-oxidative part of the pentose phosphate pathway. The lack of thiamine may cause the thiamine deficiency. The classical syndrome caused primarily by thiamine deficiency in humans is beriberi, however, symptoms of thiamine deficiency also include congestive heart failure, metabolic acidosis, confusion, ataxia and seizures. Thiamine is a component of many vitamin complexes, which are approved for the treatmen and prevention of general vitamin deficiency, including the thiamine deficiency.