This record provides bibliographic details and links to the original research. An editorial study breakdown is not available.
What the researchers found
Multiple venom-derived peptide drugs are FDA-approved, and toxin-driven discovery approaches are expanding the clinical pipeline with candidates from previously unstudied venomous species.
Why it matters
Venoms are one of nature's richest sources of drug leads. With most venomous species still unexplored, the potential for new therapies is enormous. Advances in technology are making it practical to tap into this resource.
The numbers in context
Multiple FDA-approved drugs; exenatide from Gila monster; ziconotide from cone snail; toxin-driven discovery expanding pipeline; applications in diabetes, pain, and more
How the study worked
Expert review of FDA-approved venom-derived peptide drugs, peptides in preclinical and clinical development, drug development challenges, and emerging discovery technologies.
Who was studied
Expert review of venom-derived peptide drug development from discovery to FDA approval
What this study cannot tell us
Expert review, not systematic. Focus on peptides may underestimate non-peptide venom components. Drug development challenges (stability, delivery) remain significant hurdles for many candidates.
Read the original research
Advances in venom peptide drug discovery: where are we at and where are we heading?
Expert opinion on drug discovery, 16(10), 1163-1173
Citation
Smallwood, Taylor B; Clark, Richard J. (2021). Advances in venom peptide drug discovery: where are we at and where are we heading?. Expert opinion on drug discovery, 16(10), 1163-1173. https://doi.org/10.1080/17460441.2021.1922386