Aldehyde dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of aldehydes to non-toxic metabolites. ALDH2, the specific aldehyde dehydrogenase isoform that ALDEA’s lead therapies are targeting, is particularly critical to the removal of harmful aldehydes from the body. It is Aldea’s belief that the enhanced activation of ALDH2 will facilitate the removal of toxic aldehydes from the human system. This includes those derived from naturally occurring cellular processes such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as those derived from both internal and external sources such as acetaldehyde. For example, we are often exposed to acetaldehyde through the consumption of certain foods, alcohol and tobacco smoke.