The bite of a Gila demon is toxic enough to harm a human, but its lifetime discovery hidden within the toxic cocktail: the foundation of modern GLP -1 agonists such as ozapics and vegovi. These drugs, which are now widely used to treat diabetes and obesity, credits their existence for a major component of lizard poison, Science alert Informed
Close to the 20th century, the endocrinologist Daniel Darcar was looking for a hormone, which could mimic the hunger-domineering of the human intestine and blood sugar-regulation effects without a very quick breakdown in the body. His research inspired him for the work of endocrinologists John Ang and Jean -Pierre Raufman, as well as with biochemist John Pisano, who identified proteins in Gila Monster Venom that was similar to human GLP -1.
At the University of Toronto and his team received a Gila monster from the breeding program of the Utah Zoo for further studies. His research confirmed that the unique genetics of the lizard produced Axandin -4, a protein that shows GLP -1 closely, but remained active in the body for a long time. The discovery eventually led to a synthetic version, which became an FDA-innovative treatment for type 2 diabetes in 2005 and has been expanded to the management of obesity since then.
Gila demon is not the only creature that has lent its chemical arsenal for modern medicine. Throughout history, scientists have tapped into the most powerful toxins in the natural world to develop life -saving drugs.
One of the world’s top-sprinkled drugs, lisinopril, originates from an unexpected source: Brazilian viper poison (Bothrops jararaka). Unlike the false promises of ‘snake oil’, this poison-rich enzyme inhibitor effectively reduces blood pressure, treats heart failure, and avoids a heart attack by preventing the body from tightening the blood vessels.
Ancient sea sponges have also contributed to modern remedies. The Caribbean Sponge (Tectatethya Cripta) produces abnormal nucleosides that help protect it from foreign DNAs introduced through filter feeding. These compounds inspired Cytarabin, a chemotherapy drug that is now in the list of WHOs required for its effectiveness against leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Even scorpions of scorpions have groundbreaking medical progress. In 2004, oncologist Jim Olson was disappointed to remove a gruesome tumor to learn a thumb -shaped part after a fierce surgery to remove a brain tumor from a teenage girl. Determined to find a better way, he and his team filtered the newly assembled DNA database for molecules that could illuminate cancer cells during surgery. Only in weeks, he got the right candidate: chlorotoxin, a peptide from the poison of the Deathstocker scorpion (Learrus Quincovestrus). This compound specifically binds brain tumor cells, allowing researchers to develop tozulleristide, a near-late fluorescent dye that also exposes groups of smallest cancer.
From venom-rich diabetes treatment to scorpion peptides fighting cancer, the most deadly substances in nature have been frequent medical goldmines. These discoveries remind us that the solution of some of our most pressure health challenges may be hidden in the wild if we are ready to find them. However, the existence and ecosystems of these species are important. As we continue to detect nature’s pharmacy, protecting biodiversity can mean protection of future treatment.
(Tagstotransite) Gila Monster (T) Ozmpic (T) Gila Monster & Ozmpic
