Could viper venom be the key to biting back at COVID?

Brazilian researchers discover a molecule in snake venom that can reduce the virus’ spread within cells by 75 percent.

A note of disclosure to all readers who have a fear of snakes – this may not be the story for you.

A molecule found in snake venom could be a key ingredient to a new covid drug.     

Researchers from Brazil made the discovery after observing a reaction that saw suppressed coronavirus reproduction in monkey cells.

The study, published in the scientific journal Molecules, found that the molecule produced by the jararacussu pit viper has the ability to prevent the virus’ spread by 75 percent.

This viper is one of the largest snakes in Brazil, measuring up to two metres in length.

The chain of amino acids is capable of responding to the coronavirus enzyme PLPro, which is a protein that plays an important role in the virus’ development.

However, it approaches the virus in a way where other cells won’t be affected.

Venom’s antibacterial qualities

The molecule has pre-established antibacterial qualities and has been used in medicine before.

A benefit of this is that researchers have discovered how to replicate the peptide artificially, therefore the capturing and breeding of snakes won’t be necessary.

While research regarding how the molecule can be used in combatting COVID-19 is still in its infancy, next steps will look at the effectiveness of different dosages.

Researchers will also focus on whether it can prevent initial infection within the cells to begin with.

Further studies are underway with human testing a goal for the future.

Written by Rebecca Borg