Cutting-edge advances in hydrogen applications for the medical and pharmaceutical industries

The adoption of clean hydrogen is expected to transform the global energy landscape, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, bridging gaps in renewable energy integration, and driving innovation across multiple sectors. In the medical and pharmaceutical industries, hydrogen offers unique opportunities for transformative progress. This review critically examines recent advances in three domains: hydrogen fuel cells as reliable, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions for hospitals; molecular hydrogen as a therapeutic and preventive medical gas, particularly for brain disorders; and hydrogenation technologies for the efficient and sustainable pharmaceutical production. Despite encouraging advancements, widespread adoption remains limited by economic constraints, regulatory gaps, and limited clinical evidence. Addressing these barriers through technological innovation, large-scale studies, and life-cycle sustainability assessments is essential to translate hydrogen's full potential into clinical and industrial practice. Responsible adoption of green hydrogen is poised to reshape the clinical approach to global health and enhance the quality of life for people worldwide. • Clean hydrogen role in transforming the global energy landscape is delineated. • Advances in the medical and pharmaceutical industries are covered. • Hydrogen fuel cells, molecular hydrogen, and pharmaceutical hydrogenation are discussed. • Hydrogen applications offer clinical, biotech, and manufacturing benefits: efficiency, safety, and scalability. • Key challenges and future directions: large-scale studies, technological innovation, and green hydrogen scale-up.