New Protein Therapy Shows Promise as Antidote for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
10 days ago
- #antidote
- #carbon-monoxide
- #medical-research
- Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine developed a new molecule, RcoM-HBD-CCC, as a potential antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning causes 50,000 ER visits and 1,500 deaths annually in the U.S., with current treatments being oxygen-based therapies that often leave survivors with long-term damage.
- RcoM-HBD-CCC acts like a sponge to remove carbon monoxide from blood quickly and safely, with minimal side effects on blood pressure.
- The molecule was engineered from a natural protein found in bacteria, making it highly selective for carbon monoxide without interfering with oxygen or other vital molecules.
- In tests on mice, RcoM-HBD-CCC cleared carbon monoxide from blood in under a minute, compared to over an hour with oxygen therapy.
- The molecule may also have applications in treating severe anemia, hemorrhagic shock, and as a blood substitute.
- Future research will focus on determining safe dosages and exploring other medical uses, such as organ preservation and oxygen delivery therapies.
- The study was published in PNAS, and the technology is licensed to Globin Solutions, co-founded by the researchers.