Scientists are investigating if the sting of a scorpion could protect us from future variants of Covid.
That’s what a group of scientists from Aberdeen University and the Suez Canal University in Egypt are currently exploring – by breaking down the “fascinating cocktail” of venom from the scorpion.
Scorpion venoms have been used in medicine for hundreds of years, as many of the biologically active peptides have strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral activities.
The team from Aberdeen University hope that this could serve as a good starting point to design novel anti-coronavirus drugs.
‘Many more await discovery’
The project is being led by Wael Houssen, senior research fellow at Aberdeen University’s Institute of Medical Sciences, and Mohamed Abdel-Rahman, professor of molecular toxinology and physiology at the Suez Canal University.
Dr Houssen, who is also fellow of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), said: “The study of scorpion venoms as a source of novel drugs is an exciting and productive area worthy of further investigation.
“We have already seen that these venoms contain extremely potent bioactive peptides, and we believe that there are many more await discovery.”
Mr Abdel-Rahman added: “Several scorpion species including the most toxic in the world are widespread in Egypt.
“Their venoms have not yet been fully studied and may represent an unorthodox source of new medicines.”
Scorpions were collected following the relevant protocols and legislations and released into their natural habitats in the Egyptian Desert after milking their venoms.
A venomous gland was taken from each species so its genetic material could be analysed to reveal extensive information about the venom.
This process is very complex and involves many experiments due to the venom containing hundreds of toxins.
Once identified, Dr Houssen will use tailored enzymes in his lab to synthesise the venom into higher quantities and structurally modify it to create drug-like qualities which could be used to treat coronavirus variants.
The study is being supported by the Global Challenges Research Fund.
What animal venoms are used in medicine?
A variety of animal venoms have been used in the world of medicine for centuries, most notably in traditional Chinese treatments.
Researchers from across the world are continuing to research the possibilities of treating cancers, HIV, arthritis and Alzheimer’s in this way.
The jararaca pit viper snake is believed to have saved more human lives than any other animal. One of the most widely prescribed blood pressure medications, captopril, was the first venom-based drug which is based on the snake’s venom.
In fact, many medicines that are readily available from the pharmacy have originated from animals.
Here are just a few:
- Enexatide is prescribed for type two diabetes and is derived from the saliva of the Gila monster, a species of venomous lizard.
- Batroxobin is an enzyme extracted from South American pit vipers which has been in treatments for blood conditions.
- Eptifibatide was modelled on southern pygmy rattlesnake’s venom and has proven successful in preventing heart attacks.
- Ziconotide is a thousand times more powerful than morphine and is used to treat severe chronic pain. It is derived from the venom of cone snails which they use to kill fish.