A Possible Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Antidote

Written by- E. Franks

Carbon monoxide poisoning causes 1,500 deaths per year, and over 50,000 emergency room visits. We know it is dangerous, but why? As Mayo Clinic explains, “when too much carbon monoxide is in the air, carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the red blood cells,” This causes a condition called hypoxia— meaning not enough oxygen. Until recently, carbon monoxide poisoning treatment consisted of victims being placed on 100% oxygen. This “cure” saw half of the survivors experience irreversible heart and brain damage.  Jason J. Rose, MD, MBA

However, University of Maryland School of Medicine has found a new protein-based therapy called RcoM-HBD-CCC. With this treatment, carbon monoxide is taken out of the blood. One of the researchers, Jason J. Rose, MD, MBA, states, “this molecule could be a game-changer because it can directly and rapidly remove carbon monoxide from the body with such a low risk of off-target side effects.” This treatment has the potential to save lives while in addition preventing long-term damage. While further pre-clinical research is needed to bring it into hospitals, there is hope that carbon monoxide poisoning will no longer result in as many deaths or debilitating health issues.