Gila monster venom has contributed to the development of modern GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, essential for treating diabetes and obesity. Research by endocrinologist Daniel Drucker revealed that Exendin-4, a protein in the venom, effectively mimics human GLP-1 and persists longer in the body. Other creatures have also aided medicine; for instance, Brazilian viper venom inspired lisinopril for heart conditions, while Caribbean sponges led to the chemotherapy drug cytarabine. Scorpion venom has enabled Tozuleristide, which illuminates brain tumors. These discoveries emphasize the potential of biodiversity in uncovering vital medical treatments.
The Gila monster’s bite is venomous enough to pose a risk to humans, yet within its toxic mix lies a revolutionary breakthrough: the basis for modern GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications, now commonly prescribed for diabetes and obesity, derive their origins from a crucial element of the lizard’s venom, as Science Alert reported.
As the 20th century drew to a close, endocrinologist Daniel Drucker sought a hormone that could replicate the appetite-suppressing and blood sugar-regulating benefits of GLP 1 found in the human gut, without degrading too rapidly in the body. His inquiries led him to the research of endocrinologists John Eng and Jean-Pierre Raufman, along with biochemist John Pisano, who had pinpointed proteins in Gila monster venom that were similar to human GLP-1.
Drucker and his team at the University of Toronto procured a Gila monster from the Utah Zoo’s breeding program for in-depth analysis. Their findings confirmed that the lizard’s extraordinary genetics produced Exendin-4, a protein that closely resembled GLP-1 but maintained its activity in the body for a much longer duration. This breakthrough eventually resulted in a synthetic version, which gained FDA approval as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in 2005 and has since grown to include obesity management.
The Gila monster isn’t the sole organism to have contributed its chemical secrets to contemporary medicine. Throughout history, researchers have leveraged the most potent toxins from nature to formulate life-saving therapies.
One of the best-selling medications globally, lisinopril, hails from an unlikely origin: the venom of the Brazilian viper (Bothrops jararaca). Unlike the false claims associated with ‘snake oil,’ this enzyme inhibitor, derived from venom, effectively lowers blood pressure, treats heart failure, and assists heart attack survivors by preventing excessive constriction of blood vessels.
Ancient sea sponges have also played a role in developing modern therapies. The Caribbean sponge (Tectitethya crypta) generates unique nucleosides that help protect it from foreign DNA introduced during filter feeding. These compounds inspired the creation of cytarabine, a chemotherapy drug currently included in the WHO’s List of Essential Medicines due to its effectiveness against leukaemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Even scorpion venom has been the source of impressive medical advances. In 2004, oncologist Jim Olson was disheartened after a grueling 14-hour surgery to remove a brain tumor from a teenage girl, only to discover that a small portion had been left behind. Determined to find a better solution, he and his team searched newly compiled DNA databases for molecules that would illuminate cancer cells during surgery. Within weeks, they identified the ideal candidate: chlorotoxin, a peptide derived from the venom of the deathstalker scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus). This compound specifically binds to brain tumor cells, enabling the development of Tozuleristide, a near-infrared fluorescent dye that highlights even the tiniest clusters of cancerous tissue.
From venom-based diabetes treatments to cancer-targeting scorpion peptides, nature’s most dangerous substances have consistently proven to be treasure troves for medicine. These findings remind us that the answers to some of our most critical health challenges may be hidden in the wild, waiting for us to find them. However, the preservation of these species and their habitats is essential. As we continue to explore nature’s medicinal potential, protecting biodiversity could be key to securing future cures.