Novel compositions of silicon-containing sulfhydryl compounds, their preparation and use in methods for treating disease are described. Silicon confers lipophilicity that can enhance the penetration of the silicon derivative sulfhydryl compounds across the gut wall, cell membranes and blood brain barrier, thus improving therapeutic properties including bioavailability, metabolism, and/or pharmacokinetics. The organosilyl group provides compounds having improved pharmacokinetics. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.