First Antidote for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 'Cleans' Blood in Minutes
The protein reduced the time it takes to clear half of the carbon monoxide in the blood to less than a minute.
Carbon monoxide poisoning, which is invisible and lethal, can now be fought with the first-ever antidote that rapidly removes the toxic molecule from the bloodstream.
Carbon monoxide or CO poisoning accounts for 50,000 emergency room visits in the US each year and causes about 1,500 deaths.
Currently, the only treatments for CO poisoning are oxygen-based therapies, which help the body eliminate the toxic gas.
However, even with treatment, nearly half of survivors suffer long-term heart and brain damage, creating an urgent need for faster, more effective interventions.
Author's summary: New antidote removes carbon monoxide from blood in minutes.