Snake Venom Peptide BPP-10c Could Address Both Major Systems Disrupted by COVID-19 | Research

The takeaway

Snake venom-derived bradykinin-potentiating peptide BPP-10c uniquely acts on both the renin-angiotensin and kinin-kallikrein systems disrupted by SARS-CoV-2, making it a theoretical therapeutic candidate for COVID-19.

Dual system correction
BPP-10c is the only known peptide that simultaneously corrects both the angiotensin II excess and bradykinin imbalance caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection

What the researchers found

BPP-10c acts on both renin-angiotensin and kinin-kallikrein systems: inhibits ACE (reducing angiotensin II), enhances bradykinin B2 receptor effects, and increases nitric oxide — addressing the dual system disruption caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Why it matters

COVID-19 treatments targeting only one disrupted system may be insufficient. A peptide that corrects both the angiotensin II excess and bradykinin imbalance could provide more comprehensive treatment.

The numbers in context

BPP-10c inhibits ACE; boosts bradykinin B2 effects; increases nitric oxide; dual RAS/KKS action

How the study worked

Narrative review of SARS-CoV-2 effects on renin-angiotensin and kinin-kallikrein systems, with theoretical analysis of BPP-10c as a therapeutic candidate.

Who was studied

Theoretical application to COVID-19 patients

What this study cannot tell us

Entirely theoretical — BPP-10c has not been tested in COVID-19 patients or animal models. The dual system hypothesis, while logical, requires experimental validation. BPP-10c delivery, stability, and safety in acute illness are unknown.

How to read the evidence

Low evidence (theoretical). Narrative review proposing an untested therapeutic hypothesis based on known pharmacology. No experimental COVID-19 data.

When this study was published

Published 2021. The acute COVID-19 therapeutic landscape has evolved significantly since. The dual-system concept remains relevant for understanding long COVID.

The bigger picture

BPP-10c represents the same class of venom peptide that led to captopril. Applying this peptide to COVID-19 connects historical venom drug discovery to a modern pandemic challenge, demonstrating the ongoing pharmaceutical value of venom-derived molecules.

Questions still open

Has BPP-10c been tested in any COVID-19 animal model?
Would existing ACE inhibitors provide similar dual-system benefits?
Could BPP-10c be developed as a treatment for post-COVID cardiovascular complications?

Common questions

What is BPP-10c?

BPP-10c is a bradykinin-potentiating peptide from snake venom. It is related to the peptide that inspired development of captopril, the first ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure. BPP-10c blocks ACE and enhances bradykinin — addressing two key systems disrupted by COVID-19.

Could this actually treat COVID-19?

This is a theoretical proposal, not a proven treatment. The pharmacology makes biological sense — BPP-10c targets both systems disrupted by the virus — but it has never been tested against COVID-19 in the lab or in patients.

Read the original research

Snake venom-derived bradykinin-potentiating peptides: A promising therapy for COVID-19?

Drug development research, 82(1), 38-48

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Gouda, Ahmed S; Mégarbane, Bruno. (2021). Snake venom-derived bradykinin-potentiating peptides: A promising therapy for COVID-19?. Drug development research, 82(1), 38-48. https://doi.org/10.1002/ddr.21732