Venomous bites from creatures like cone snails, scorpions, spiders, and snakes cause numerous injuries and deaths each year. While some are more dangerous than others, the medical potential of these venoms is immense. Early research-driven medicines like captopril and ancient painkilling remedies using cobra venom have paved the way for modern discoveries. Here are six life-saving medicines derived from snake venom.
Captopril
Captopril was a groundbreaking development in the 1980s as the first ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor medicine made from snake venom. Derived from the deadly pit viper, it was a significant advancement in treating cardiovascular conditions. Its debut at a cardiovascular conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil, showcased not just the medication but also the venomous snake it came from, likely making the conference far more exciting.
Enalapril
To reduce the side effects of captopril, Merck developed enalapril by modifying its chemical structure. Enalapril became a safer ACE inhibitor, leading to the creation of several other similar medications, including lisinopril, ramipril, trandolapril, and moexipril.
Quinapril
Quinapril, generally considered safer than both captopril and enalapril, is now one of the most commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors. It effectively lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks.
Lisinopril
Lisinopril utilizes a synthetic peptide based on jararaca venom and captopril research. As part of the ACE inhibitor group, it has become a vital medication for managing high blood pressure and heart conditions.
Eptifibatide
Derived from the pygmy rattlesnake’s (Sistrurus miliarius) venom, eptifibatide is an antiplatelet medication used to prevent blood clots, particularly during angioplasty procedures and in heart attack prevention. It works by preventing platelets from sticking together, ensuring smooth blood flow.
Tirofiban
The venom of the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) is the source of tirofiban, another antiplatelet drug. Tirofiban helps prevent heart attacks by keeping blood platelets from clumping together, much like a lubricant for blood cells.
Universal Antivenom: A New Horizon
Researchers are on the brink of developing a universal antivenom. A study published in February 2024 in *Science Translational Medicine* identified an antibody effective against three-finger toxins (3FTx), which are common in many vipers and elapids and responsible for most snakebite deaths. This breakthrough could simplify and reduce the cost of treating venomous snakebites, eliminating the need for species-specific antivenoms.
The Future of Snake Venom Research
While much research has focused on the jararaca’s venom, its close relative, the golden lancehead, has even more potent venom. With toxicity five times greater than the jararaca, its peptides could revolutionize our understanding of snake venom and its medical applications. Similarly, the bushmaster, the world’s longest pit viper, produces large quantities of venom that are currently under investigation.
Other ongoing research targets various cobra species, including the spectacled cobra and the king cobra, known for their neurotoxic venom. These studies aim to develop new powerful painkillers, continuing the ancient tradition of using cobra venom for pain relief.
Venom from Other Animals: A Treasure Trove of Medicines
The quest for life-saving medicines extends beyond snakes to other venomous creatures. The Gila monster’s venom has yielded Exenatide, a Type-2 diabetes drug, and Semaglutide, marketed as the weight-loss medication Wegovy.
Additionally, cone snail venom has given us Ziconotide, a potent painkiller. These examples highlight the vast potential of venom from various species in developing new and effective medications.
Venomous creatures, once feared solely for their danger, are now recognized as invaluable sources of life-saving medicines. Ongoing research continues to uncover the vast potential of venom, promising new treatments and medical breakthroughs in the years to come.
Join Rusty's Patreon Today!
Comments