The toxic bite of a Gila monster can kill a human, but a specific ingredient in the lizard’s venom is the reason we have glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy. At the end of the 20th century, endocrinologist Daniel Drucker was looking for a hormone similar to the human gut’s GLP-1, which would have similar appetite-suppressing and blood sugar-regulating qualities, without being broken down by the human body so quickly.

Drucker had read about the work of endocrinologist John Eng, gastroenterologist Jean-Pierre Raufman, and biochemist John Pisano, who had sequenced the proteins in Gila monster Heloderma suspectum venom and found two that looked like human GLP-1.

Drucker and his team from the University of Toronto acquired a Gila monster from the Utah Zoo’s breeding program to dissect for further research. This work confirmed that the lizard species’ unique genes produce a protein, Exendin-4 that fit the bill, mimicking GLP-1 while hanging around in the human body for far longer.

until 2005 for this GLP-1 agonist to become an FDA-approved treatment for type 2 diabetes. It’s now also become a popular treatment for obesity with further potential applications on the horizon.

This isn’t the only time we’ve relied on the chemical arsenal of toxic animals. As reported by the journal Drug Discovery Today, one of the top-selling drugs worldwide originates, ironically, from a snake’s venom – but it’s far from ‘snake oil’. Lisinopril reduces the chemicals that constrict blood flow, which is why it’s prescribed for high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and to heart attack survivors. But the maker of its natural form, the Brazilian viper Bothrops jararaca, evolved to produce enzyme inhibitors that help venom spread smoothly through the doomed body of its prey.

The prominence of GLP-1 agonists in diabetes and obesity treatments has made headlines nationwide. Ozempic, for example, has been in high demand, causing shortages and forcing manufacturers to ration supplies. These drugs are not only effective in managing diabetes but also in aiding significant weight loss, as seen in clinical trials where participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight within a year.

Sea sponges, one of the Earth’s oldest creatures, have had millennia to develop unique molecules. The Caribbean sponge Tectitethya crypta produces strange nucleosides that protect it from foreign DNA introduced by predators and prey. These nucleosides have inspired the chemotherapy drug cytarabine, essential for treating non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia, and part of the WHO’s list of Essential Medicines.

Animal toxins are proving useful in treating other cancers as well. In 2004, oncologist Jim Olson was dismayed to discover that even after a 14-hour surgery to remove a tumor from a teenager’s brain, a thumb-sized piece of the cancer had been left behind. He assembled a team to find a molecule that would help surgeons see cancers with the naked eye. Thanks to newly assembled DNA databases, they found a suitable candidate in a matter of weeks. Its unlikely origin? The venom of one of the most dangerous scorpions on Earth, the deathstalker Leiurus quinquestriatus.

In isolation, the peptide Chlorotoxin Cy5.5 had already been found to bind to ion channels on brain tumor cells, but not to normal human cells. The lab-made version, Tozuleristide, creates a kind of light-up ‘paint’ under near-infrared that has allowed researchers to see cancerous clusters as small as a few hundred cells in rodent studies.

Even though it’s notFDA approved, it’s been used in imaging human tumors the past many years

From GLP-1 agonists to chemotherapy treatments, it’s incredible what toxic potions brewed by the animal kingdom can do to improve and save lives. This humbling reminder shows how the answers to our problems may be found in unexpected places. It’s clear that our efforts must focus on discovery and preservation, protecting the species and habitats that hold these life-saving secrets.

Key Questions and Insights into Animal Toxins in Medicine

Animal toxins have played a surprising yet pivotal role in the development of life-saving medications. This Q&A-style article delves into how these natural poisons have been transformed into treatments for various medical conditions.

What is Exendin-4, and how is it used in medicine?

Exendin-4 is a peptide identified in the venom of the Gila monster Heloderma suspectum. This peptide is similar to the human hormone GLP-1, known for its appetite-suppressing and blood sugar-regulating effects. Though, unlike human GLP-1, Exendin-4 is more resistant to breakdown by the human body.It became the basis for synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonists,which are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. These drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, mimic GLP-1 and have been FDA-approved as 2005. They are now also being explored for other applications, such as managing addiction.[1][2]

How did researchers identify Exendin-4’s potential for drug development?

Endocrinologist Daniel Drucker and his colleagues at the University of Toronto were instrumental in identifying Exendin-4’s potential. By studying the Gila monster’s venom, they discovered proteins resembling human GLP-1. By creating a synthetic version,they developed a long-lasting GLP-1 agonist that could be used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes,gaining FDA approval in 2005. This breakthrough underscored the potential of animal toxins in developing novel therapies.[3]

What other animal toxins have been used in pharmaceuticals?

Beyond the Gila monster, other animals have contributed to significant medical advancements:

– Brazilian Viper (Bothrops jararaca): Its venom contains enzyme inhibitors, which inspired the development of Lisinopril, a widely used drug for treating high blood pressure and heart conditions.[4]

– caribbean Sponge (Tectitethya crypta): Produces unique nucleosides that have led to cancer medication cytarabine,vital for treating leukemia and lymphoma.[4]

– deathstalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus): Venom components aid in the development of compounds like chlorotoxin, which, combined wiht near-infrared imaging, can highlight brain tumors.[4]

These examples showcase the diverse sources of compounds leading to life-saving treatments.

What challenges are associated with sourcing these toxins for medical use?

Obtaining animal toxins for medical use involves several challenges, including:

– Ethical and Ecological Concerns: Harvesting toxins must be done sustainably to protect species and their habitats.

– Regulatory Approval: Thorough testing and approval processes are needed to ensure safety and efficacy, which can be time-consuming and costly.

– Supply Chain Management: Limited availability of certain animals can lead to supply shortages, as seen with GLP-1 agonists.

Why is it significant to continue exploring animal toxins in medical research?

The potential of animal toxins in pharmaceuticals is vast and largely untapped. Continued exploration can lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases and improving patient outcomes. Protecting biodiversity is crucial as many unique compounds have yet to be discovered in wildlife. This approach combines scientific curiosity with conservation efforts to unlock future medical advancements.