Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Scorpion Venom Extraction for Antivenom Production
Published on: October 6, 2023
Harnessing the knowledge of animal toxins to generate drugs
V O Zambelli1, K F M Pasqualoto2, G Picolo1
1Special Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Instituto Butantan, Av. Brasil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
Animal toxins present high selectivity and specificity for their molecular targets, and have long been considered as prototypes for developing novel drugs, with some successful cases. In this regard, the variety of molecules found in animal venoms, which can be capable of affecting vital physiological systems, have providing the development of studies focusing on turning those molecules (toxins) into therapeutics to treat several diseases, such as chronic pain, hypertension, thrombosis, cancer, and so on. However, some important issues have been responsible for disrupting the toxin-based drug discovery projects. In this review, we have briefly highlighted the development of drugs based on animal toxins, discussing some successful cases as well as the main causes of failure, pointing out the recent strategies applied to overcome the difficulties related to the translational process in this kind of development scenario.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drug Discovery: Overview
Toxicity Testing in Animals
Enhanced Elimination of Poison
Antidotes serve a crucial role in counteracting the effects of poison by inhibiting enzymes responsible for producing harmful drug metabolites. In some cases, these toxic metabolites can be neutralized by endogenous cosubstrates, which are maintained at specific concentrations to prevent interaction with cellular macromolecules and subsequent cell death.
Renal excretion is the...
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Preclinical Development: Overview

