The protein in Chinese centipede venom may help develop a cure for chronic pain. It would be as effective as morphine, but without side effects, reports the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
– Venomous predator arthropods such as centipedes, scorpions and spiders hundreds of millions of years ago developed the best method of killing insects by targeting their nervous system. That is why we decided to take a closer look at the venom of the centipede – says one of the authors of the research, Prof. Glenn King from the Institute of Molecular Biology at the University of Queensland (Australia).
The protein identified by the Sino-Australian team of scientists in the venom of centipedes Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans selectively affects the Nav1.7 sodium-ion channels, located in pain receptors.
– Of the six venom-based drugs that have been approved for human use, only one – derived from sea snail venom – has an analgesic effect. However, it acts on the ion channels of the central nervous system, so in fact the patient must wear a pump that applies the drug directly to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord – explains Prof. King.
The newly discovered protein is peripheral; It does not need to reach the brain and spinal cord to be effective, so it could be administered intravenously, by subcutaneous injection, or orally.
In subsequent research on rodents, scientists intend to test more complex pain models – mimicking osteoarthritis, cancer and neuropathic pain. (PAP)
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