The Venom of One of the World’s Most Deadly Spiders may Provide a Novel Drug to Treat Heart Attack and Stroke Patients and Save Lives

Research led by Professor Glenn King from the University of Queensland, Australia, has identified a compound in the venom of the funnel-web spider native to K'gari (Fraser Island) that shows promise as a novel drug for treating heart attack and stroke patients. This compound blocks cellular mechanisms responsible for brain and heart cell death, offering potential therapeutic benefits. The study builds on Paracelsus's principle that toxins can be used therapeutically at appropriate doses. Currently, the group is evaluating the compound's toxicity parameters to meet regulatory requirements set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Clinical trials for treating serious heart attacks are expected to begin in 2025, with potential clinical availability within five years.

Cock, I. E. (2024). The Venom of One of the World’s Most Deadly Spiders may Provide a Novel Drug to Treat Heart Attack and Stroke Patients and Save Lives. Pharmacognosy Communications, 14(4), 185–186. https://doi.org/10.5530/pc.2024.4.28