# The Efficacy of Melanin Precursor QIAPI 1© Against Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A Case Report.
> 加齢黄斑変性（AMD）に対するメラニン前駆体投与の効果：症例報告


## Abstract

This case report examined the effects of sublingual administration of QIAPI1, a melanin precursor, in female patients aged over 70 years with late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Fundus photographs of both eyes were obtained to assess outcomes. In the right eye, substantial reductions in yellow drusen deposits, retinal edema, exudates, and hemorrhages were documented, whereas the left eye showed only minimal improvement. Overall drusen accumulation was reduced compared to the initial consultation. The authors propose that melanin generates molecular hydrogen and chemical energy through water molecule dissociation within retinal tissues, thereby reducing oxidative stress-mediated damage to the retinal pigment epithelium. The findings suggest that molecular hydrogen produced endogenously via melanin may contribute to mitigating the pathophysiology of wet AMD, though the evidence is limited to a preliminary case series.

### Mechanism

Melanin is proposed to dissociate water molecules, generating molecular hydrogen and chemical energy within retinal tissues. This endogenous H2 production is thought to reduce oxidative stress in the retinal pigment epithelium, thereby suppressing drusen accumulation and retinal edema.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Herrera AS, Beeraka NM, Solis LFT, Mikhaleva LM, Somasundaram SG, Kirkland CE, et al.
- **Journal**: Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem
- **Year**: 2020
- **PMID**: [33167844](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33167844/)
- **DOI**: [10.2174/1871524920666201109152951](https://doi.org/10.2174/1871524920666201109152951)
- **Study type**: human case report
- **Delivery route**: topical application
- **Effect reported**: mixed

## Delivery context

Topical applications have localized-effect reports, but systemic hydrogen intake is most efficient via inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

Topical applications have localized-effect reports, but systemic hydrogen intake is most efficient via inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 33167844. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/33167844
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [33167844](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33167844/)