New Synthetic Porphyrin as a Double Antidote Against Fire Gas Poisoning

The dangers of building fires are well-known, with highly toxic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) posing a significant threat to human life. Unfortunately, there has been no effective therapeutic approach to treat simultaneous CO and HCN poisoning, making it a major challenge in emergency medicine.

Fighting against gas poisoning

However, a team of researchers led by Professor Hiroaki Kitagishi from Doshisha University in Japan has developed a synthetic heme model compound, known as hemoCD-Twins, which acts as an antidote for these life-threatening toxins.

The development of hemoCD-Twins was the result of over two decades of research into synthetic heme-model compounds by Prof. Kitagishi and his team. The compound comprises a mixture of synthetic organic compounds, porphyrin and cyclodextrins, which mimic the biological functions of hemes using completely synthetic materials.

The series of hemoCDs

This innovative antidote dissolves into two heme models, hemoCD-P and hemoCD-I, which capture CO and effectively scavenge CN-, respectively.

In mice models, hemoCD-Twins demonstrated a rapid and effective antidote against CO and HCN simultaneous poisoning, resulting in an 85% survival rate and quick recovery.

Furthermore, the compound exhibited very low toxicity and was rapidly eliminated through urinary excretion, while also having an immediate antidotal effect, high degree of safety, and storage stability.

The antidote

The potential impact of this antidote on emergency medicine is significant, as it can limit the damage caused by gas poisoning and be tested for the treatment of various symptoms caused by gas poisoning.

With non-clinical and clinical trials underway, it is hoped that hemoCD-Twins can be incorporated into ambulances, emergency hospitals, and other facilities within the next 5 to 10 years. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to save countless lives and ensure that future generations no longer have to fear sudden fire gas poisoning.

Read the original article on PHYS.

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