Development of Hydrogen Sulfide-Based Therapeutics for Cardiovascular Disease

The physiological role of the gaseous signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was first realized in the mid-1990s with the work of Abe and Kimura. Since then, it has become evident that this endogenous gas is extremely important in the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system and the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Several biotechnology companies have developed and are developing H2S-based therapeutic compounds, and there are ongoing clinical trials investigating the therapeutic potential of H2S. Several organic and chemical compounds that are known H2S donors have the potential to be developed into effective H2S-based therapeutic agents. This review will provide a historical and current perspective on the role(s) of H2S in the cardiovascular system and the current state of development and future outlook of H2S-based therapies for cardiovascular disease.