The venom of a Brazilian spider could soon help treat erection problems.
- Spider venom could soon help treat erection problems.
- This compound is expected to be tested in phase 2 clinical trials involving men with erectile dysfunction.
- Erectile dysfunction is linked to the state of physical and/or psychological health of the man concerned.
A new alternative to Viagra based on spider venom is under development.
A spider bite that causes an erection lasting several hours
The spider in question is known as “Phoneutria nigriventer” and lives in the Brazilian forests. When it kills a man, its venom triggers a whole series of discomforts (tremors, cramps, profuse sweating, etc.) including an erection lasting several hours.
With these elements in mind, researchers have already identified the bioactive compound responsible for these very long erections, a peptide called BZ371A, and synthesized it in the laboratory. After carrying out preliminary tests on mice, scientists at the Federal University of Minas Gerais now hope to use the compound in phase 2 clinical trials involving men suffering from erectile dysfunction.
A new topical treatment for erectile dysfunction
If the tests are satisfactory, the compound BZ371A will be used in a topical treatment which, when applied to the penis, will cause a rush of blood to the area and an erection (without any of the unwanted side effects of the spider venom mentioned at the beginning of article).
“So far, tests have demonstrated that the compound works with the application of a minimal amount of substance and without any toxicity since it is practically not detected in the bloodstream,” said in a press release Maria Elena de Lima, a professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais who has been studying BZ371A for years.
“The great advantage of this venom is that the approval of topical drugs tends to be much faster, due to the lower possibility of unwanted side effects. In addition, the drug candidate has already demonstrated that it does not generate any side effect detected, even when injected in high doses” she adds.
She finishes: “our research also helps demonstrate why our wildlife absolutely must be preserved: it is an inexhaustible source of bioactive molecules, and we do not even know 1% of this potential.”
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction corresponds to a lasting reduction in the quality of erections. More common from the age of 50, it is linked to the state of physical and/or psychological health of the man concerned.
“These disorders are different from a possible temporary erection failure. This latter phenomenon, which is completely banal, should not be considered as a problem,” underlines Health Insurance.
