It’s invisible, it’s lethal, and it’s been with us for decades, but carbon monoxide poisoning can now be fought with the first-ever antidote that rapidly removes the toxic molecule from the bloodstream. Carbon monoxide poisoning accounts for 50,000 emergency room visits in the U.S. each year and causes about 1,500 deaths. Currently, the only treatments for carbon monoxide 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. Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine have developed a new engineered protein-based therapy called RcoM-HBD-CCC (RcoM for short), which acts like a sponge to soak up carbon monoxide from the blood within mere minutes. RcoM grabs carbon monoxide without interfering with oxygen or other important molecules in the bloodstream like nitric oxide, which is vital for the regulation of blood pressure. More clinical trials must be conducted, but RcoM has the potential to become a rapid, intravenous antidote for carbon monoxide that could be given in emergency rooms or even in the field by first-responders
