Snake Venom Peptide BPP-10c Could Address Both Major Systems Disrupted by COVID-19
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
BPP-10c inhibits ACE; boosts bradykinin B2 effects; increases nitric oxide; dual RAS/KKS action
How They Did This
Narrative review of SARS-CoV-2 effects on renin-angiotensin and kinin-kallikrein systems, with theoretical analysis of BPP-10c as a therapeutic candidate.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 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
- Evidence Grade:
- Low evidence (theoretical). Narrative review proposing an untested therapeutic hypothesis based on known pharmacology. No experimental COVID-19 data.
- Study Age:
- Published 2021. The acute COVID-19 therapeutic landscape has evolved significantly since. The dual-system concept remains relevant for understanding long COVID.
- Original Title:
- Snake venom-derived bradykinin-potentiating peptides: A promising therapy for COVID-19?
- Published In:
- Drug development research, 82(1), 38-48 (2021)
- Authors:
- Gouda, Ahmed S, Mégarbane, Bruno
- Database ID:
- RPEP-05416
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-05416APA
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
MLA
Gouda, Ahmed S, et al. "Snake venom-derived bradykinin-potentiating peptides: A promising therapy for COVID-19?." Drug development research, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1002/ddr.21732
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Snake venom-derived bradykinin-potentiating peptides: A prom..." RPEP-05416. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/gouda-2021-snake-venomderived-bradykininpotentiating-peptides
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.