Centipede Venom May Help Treat Pain

Researchers have identified a molecule in centipede venom that may be as effective a painkiller as morphine.

Asian Scientist (Oct. 3, 2013) – Australian and Chinese researchers have identified a molecule in centipede venom that may be as effective a painkiller as morphine.

The researchers studied the venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede in an effort to find better solutions for people who suffer from chronic pain.

Professor Glenn King, the leader of the study, said the molecule they found blocked the Nav1.7 channel in pain-sensing nerves.

“People without a functioning Nav1.7 channel cannot feel pain, so it’s likely molecules that can block this channel will be powerful painkillers,” said King.

“We recently demonstrated that the venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede was rich in molecules that can alter the function of nerve channels, so we decided to explore this venom to see if there was a molecule that could block Nav1.7.”

The researchers found a molecule that selectively targets the Nav1.7 pain channel, which is closely related to channels that play critical roles in controlling the heart and muscles.

King said it was likely that centipedes had evolved the molecule to block similar nerve channels in insects in order to prey on them.

“There are a number of FDA-approved drugs derived from venom components currently on the market, with several more in clinical trials or various stages of preclinical development,” said King.

The researchers hope that centipede venoms, which to date have been largely unstudied, may provide a new source of potential drugs for treating chronic pain and other conditions.

The article can be found at: Yang S et al. (2013) Discovery of a selective NaV1.7 inhibitor from centipede venom with analgesic efficacy exceeding morphine in rodent pain models.

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Source: Institute for Molecular Bioscience.
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