Painkiller of Cone Snails

Scientists have created a stronger painkiller from snail poison. These substances are derived from a small protein found in the venom of cone snails.

Scientists have created painkillers from the venom of cone snails (pictured), it has been revealed. (Picture from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/)

The possibility of these substances can be more effective than morphine. These drugs will be developed to treat severe and chronic neuropathic pain. Professor David Craik of the University of Queensland in Australia illustrates the development of the five experimental new painkillers as an important step.

"It could serve as a blueprint for the development of a new class of drugs that can eliminate one form of chronic pain that is most severe and extremely difficult to treat," said Craik, as reported by the Daily Mail, on Sunday, March 16, 2014.

The cone snail, which is usually found in warm and tropical sea, using poison to paralyze their prey. The liquid contains hundreds of small proteins known as conotoxins. Craik said conotoxins seem to have analgesic effects in humans.

Researchers are working on developing drugs based conotoxin which can be taken orally. In contrast to the only drug currently used proteins to be injected into the patient's spine. In tests on mice, was shown to significantly reduce pain.

"We do not know about the side effects because it has not been tested in humans, but we think it would be safe," Craik who will soon present the findings at the conference of the American Chemical Society.

Craik added, these proteins act in a completely different mechanism of morphine. Experts think it has the possibility of generating minimal side effects.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYMAIL]

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