hydrogen

Inhaled hydrogen gas (H2) is an investigational small molecule therapy being developed by Boston Children's Hospital to mitigate ischemia-reperfusion injury. It acts as a selective antioxidant, specifically targeting and reducing highly reactive cytotoxic oxygen radicals, such as hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, which are generated during the reperfusion phase following cardiac arrest. By neutralizing these reactive oxygen species (ROS) without interfering with physiologically important signaling ROS, hydrogen gas aims to protect vital organs—including the brain and kidneys—from oxidative damage. The therapy is currently being evaluated in the Phase 1 HydrogenFAST trial for patients undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for refractory cardiac arrest, particularly in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.

Other names

molecular hydrogenH2H-2H 2inhaled hydrogen gas