Researchers develop new drug for organ injury treatment

Researchers have developed an oral prodrug that delivers carbon monoxide to protect against acute kidney injury. The study published in Chemical Science was conducted by a team of scientists led by Binghe Wang, Regents' Professor of Chemistry at Georgia State University. Scientists have discovered carbon monoxide can have beneficial effects by reducing inflammation and protecting cells against injury. Previous studies have demonstrated the protective effects of CO against injury in the kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and liver, among other organs. Wang's team developed prodrugs that allow for oral administration of CO using two common artificial sweeteners.