26 September 2023 , 09:24
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Millions suffering from erectile dysfunction have been offered hope of a cure - by a highly venomous arachnid hiding in Central America.
Brazilian Wandering Spiders are one of the most toxic eight-legged monsters in the world and its fierce bite can cause increased blood pressure, severe cramps and convulsions. Another side effect caused by the venom is a “prolonged and painful erection” which can lead to necrosis of the genitalia.
However, researchers believe they can remove a molecule found in the toxin and use it to solve erectile dysfunction for millions of sufferers. Tests so far have shown it to be safe in humans, leading to hopes it may become a new drug to enter the market.
Maria Elena de Lima, a professor of biomedicine and medicine at the Santa Casa Belo Horizonte hospital in Brazil, said in a statement: “We synthesised this molecule and began testing it on mice and rats, to check whether it would have the same effect as the original molecule, that is, the spider toxin. After in vitro tests , that is, in the corpus cavernosum isolated from mice, as well as in anaesthetised animals, we observed that this molecule, much smaller and non-toxic, caused erections in these animals.
“It is research inspired by our biodiversity, which begins with the study of spider venom and is close to generating a possible medicine. This helps demonstrate why our fauna must be preserved: it is an inexhaustible source of bioactive molecules, and we do not know even 1% of this potential. Our work, which is basic science, seeks to identify biological activities of interest in poisons and detect potential drug models for a wide range of diseases.”
Jeremy Kyle's daughter Ava taken to hospital after spider bite
Phase two clinical trials are set to begin on men suffering with impotence by firm Biozeus Biopharmaceutical. Hopes are now high the toxin from the insects, also known as banana spiders, will prove a success.
Paulo Lacativa, executive director of Biozeus, said: “As a company that embraced this project, we have some points to highlight. The first is this may be the first time a discovery from a Brazilian university results in a medication that is developed for the entire world. And we believe this successful case, led by Brazilians in Brazil, with worldwide repercussion, may be capable of changing the entire pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem in the country.”