Handover of Hydrogen Inhalation Device for Clinical Research For Dr. Nhu Duc Thang, Department of Rehabilitation, National Psychiatric Hospital No. 2

Handover of Hydrogen Inhalation Device for Clinical Research

For Dr. Nhu Duc Thang, Department of Rehabilitation, National Psychiatric Hospital No. 2

10 April 2026 – Saigon Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

Within the framework of the Vietnam–U.S. Hydrogen & International Partners Workshop 2026, jointly organized by the Vietnam–ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC) and Solberg Manufacturing (USA), an official handover ceremony of a hydrogen inhalation device was held in Ho Chi Minh City.

The device was transferred by Hydrogen World, represented by Mr. Nguyen Thieu Son, an independent hydrogen health specialist, to Dr. Nhu Duc Thang, Department of Rehabilitation, National Psychiatric Hospital No. 2, under the auspices of VAHC.

The equipment handed over is an AirHydro hydrogen generator, based on Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology, with a flow capacity of 1,500 ml/min and confirmed stable operating condition.

The device is provided on a loan basis (without transfer of ownership) to support a scientific research project entitled:

“A retrospective descriptive study on the use of hydrogen gas in supporting rehabilitation and improving mental health in community-based applications and selected patients requiring dual therapy at the National Psychiatric Hospital No. 2.”

The expected usage period extends until 31 December 2026.

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Academic and Institutional Participation

From the academic side, Dr. Cao Thuy Oanh (Van Hien University) participated in a personal capacity, contributing to research design, report editing, preparation for defense, and publication of research findings.

From VAHC, Lawyer Nguyen Anh Tam, Vice Chairman of VAHC, officially signed the handover documentation together with Mr. Nguyen Thieu Son and Dr. Nhu Duc Thang.

International Research Overview: Molecular Hydrogen in Health and Rehabilitation

Globally, molecular hydrogen (H₂) has been widely studied as a potential therapeutic support agent due to its selective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Mechanisms of Action

Hydrogen is reported to selectively neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻), while preserving essential cellular signaling molecules.

It is also suggested to inhibit the NF-κB inflammatory pathway, thereby reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6.

Selected Clinical Research Findings

Field	Reported Outcomes (from clinical studies)
Sleep disorders	Increased total sleep time (from 380 to 475 minutes), reduced wake time (from 65 to 40 minutes), improved SDS depression scores
Anxiety & panic symptoms	Reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved somatic symptoms and physical well-being (female cohort study, 2025)
Mood in healthy individuals	Reduced K6 psychological distress scores and decreased sympathetic nervous system activity at rest
Post-surgical recovery	Improved physical and psychological quality of life, emotional stabilization, improved functional independence
Osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis	Symptom reduction within 2 weeks, decreased DAS28 score, reduced IL-6 and MMP-3
Exercise-induced muscle fatigue	Accelerated recovery and reduced biomarkers of muscle damage

These studies have been conducted in Japan, China, South Korea, and the United States, using different delivery methods including hydrogen-rich water, hydrogen gas inhalation, and injectable hydrogen solutions.

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Significance of the Device Handover

The handover of the hydrogen inhalation device, together with the approval process for the clinical research protocol led by Dr. Nhu Duc Thang, is expected to generate real-world clinical evidence in Vietnam regarding hydrogen applications in rehabilitation and mental health support.

This initiative is anticipated to serve as a foundational step toward more formalized, evidence-based hydrogen healthcare applications in the future.

It also reflects an effort to bring hydrogen technology into practical medical use in a structured and scientifically validated manner.

VAHC’s Broader Vision

The Vietnam–ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC), together with domestic and international partners, continues to promote the development of hydrogen applications in Vietnam and the ASEAN region beyond energy, including: