Scientists have discovered that hemoglobin within brain astrocytes functions as a powerful antioxidant defense, breaking down harmful hydrogen peroxide through a pseudoperoxidase activity. The team developed KDS12025, a molecule that enhances hemoglobin’s antioxidant capacity by nearly 100-fold without disrupting oxygen transport and crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively. Preclinical results show neuroprotective effects in ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease models, marking a significant breakthrough in targeting oxidative stress in neurodegeneration.