H2 Global Group has been granted a patent for a promising method of treating Alzheimer's disease using molecular hydrogen. This innovative approach reduces oxidative stress, a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and offers long-term improvements in cognitive function and overall quality of life for patients.
"Patients inhale molecular hydrogen, which leads to a significant improvement in their condition," explains pharmacist and director of H2 Pharm Milan Krajíček. "A typical molecular hydrogen treatment lasts six months and involves inhaling 3% hydrogen for one hour twice a day. The results of a clinical study in 2023 showed that after six months of molecular hydrogen inhalation, patients experienced improved cognitive function and neuronal quality, even one year after the end of treatment, with the improvements persisting long after the end of treatment."
This patented therapy comes from Japanese biomedical professor Shigeo Ohta, who has been studying the antioxidant properties of molecular hydrogen in clinical research for decades. Together with other colleagues in the medical team of Yoji Nishijima and Hirohisa Ono, they have been working on research in this area since 1997. "Mechanisms of action include selective neutralization of hydroxyl radicals, reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions, improvement of mitochondrial function and promotion of neurogenesis," explains Professor Ohta, who is Vice President of Science and Research at H2 Global Group.
"Validation was at 3, 6 and 12 months and included clinical assessment using the Cognitive Subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale and assessment of neuronal integrity by advanced magnetic resonance imaging. Some patients inhaled for up to 2 years, and in those patients, for example, incontinence problems and other health complications reducing quality of life disappeared," explains Professor Ohta. The fact that the administration of molecular hydrogen is, according to the results of scientific studies, free of side effects, which are otherwise common with conventional drug therapy, is also crucial.
H2 Global Group has registered a patent for this therapy for the international market. The hydrogen therapy includes a comprehensive solution including generators for inhalation and hydrogen water production from the subsidiary H2 Medical Technologies, as well as dietary supplements to support natural hydrogen production from H2 Pharm. These unique solutions have been used in Czech spa houses and households for several years.
Viktória Procházková, CEO of H2 Global Group, points out that Alzheimer's disease is becoming a societal problem and is placing a significant burden on the current healthcare system. "We need to make every effort to reduce the incidence of this disease already by preventive use of this promising solution."
According to the Alzheimer's Disease International, the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease is expected to reach approximately 78 million by 2030 and even more than 152 million by 2050 if effective treatments or preventive measures are not developed.
It is the hydrogen treatment that could be the turning point. Procházková also adds that the use of molecular hydrogen as an adjunctive therapy is not only for specialised AD centres, but also for ordinary elderly care facilities where they deal with dementia in their clients. "Integrating this therapy can significantly improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the burden on caregivers," says Procházková.
"This patent complements the portfolio of earlier dementia therapy patents already held by H2 Global Group in Europe and the US. These now allow us to expand from the wellness and spa field into a new era of practical applications of molecular hydrogen." H2 Global Group is currently planning a pilot clinical study in the Czech Republic. This could begin later this year.
The patented molecular hydrogen therapy also opens up a new half-billion-dollar framework for investors within the H2 Global Group, which has already been approved by the Czech National Bank to develop further activities in this area.
The full study can be found here: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/3/434
