2-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid

2-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA-H) is a synthetic hydroxylated derivative of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), characterized by a hydroxyl group at the alpha-carbon (C2) position. Developed by Laminar Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with the University of the Balearic Islands, the compound is being investigated for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. DHA-H functions through a novel mechanism known as 'membrane lipid therapy,' which involves modulating the lipid composition and biophysical properties of cell membranes rather than directly targeting protein aggregates like amyloid-beta or tau. In the brain, DHA-H is metabolized via alpha-oxidation into heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA), which also accumulates in neural tissues. Preclinical evidence suggests that DHA-H reduces neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and dopaminergic cell loss, potentially through the regulation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway.

Other names

hydroxylated docosahexaenoic acid2-OH-DHA2-hydroxy-DHA