Ozempic: How Lizard Venom Led to a Breakthrough Diabetes Drug

Ozempic, a breakthrough drug for diabetes, has its origins in lizard venom. Researchers discovered that a compound in the venom could mimic a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar. This led to the development of Ozempic, which helps manage type 2 diabetes by improving insulin response and lowering blood sugar levels, offering a promising treatment option for millions worldwide.

Modern medications for diabetes and obesity have their origins in a key element of Gila monster venom. The venom of the Gila monster, while harmful to humans, contains a crucial discovery that contributed to the creation of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy. At the end of the 20th century, endocrinologist Daniel Drucker sought a hormone that could replicate the appetite-suppressing and blood sugar-regulating effects of human GLP-1 without degrading too quickly in the body. His search led him to the work of endocrinologists John Eng and Jean-Pierre Raufman, along with biochemist John Pisano, who had found proteins in Gila monster venom similar to human GLP-1.

Drucker’s team at the University of Toronto acquired a Gila monster from a Utah Zoo breeding program for further research. Their study revealed that the lizard produced Exendin-4, a protein resembling GLP-1 that stayed active in the body longer, leading to the development of a synthetic version. This synthetic version became an FDA-approved treatment for type 2 diabetes in 2005 and later expanded to help manage obesity.

The Gila monster isn’t the only animal whose venom has contributed to medical breakthroughs; nature’s toxins have often inspired life-saving drugs. For instance, lisinopril, one of the top-selling drugs globally, comes from the venom of the Brazilian viper, helping lower blood pressure and treat heart failure. Similarly, the Caribbean sponge’s defense mechanisms inspired cytarabine, a chemotherapy drug crucial in treating leukaemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Scorpion venom has also led to significant medical advancements, including the discovery of chlorotoxin from the deathstalker scorpion. Chlorotoxin binds to brain tumour cells, helping to develop Tozuleristide, a fluorescent dye that illuminates even the smallest cancerous clusters. From venom-based diabetes treatments to cancer-targeting peptides, nature’s dangerous substances have proven to be medical treasures.

These discoveries show that some of our most critical health solutions may be found in the wild, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity. Protecting ecosystems and species could safeguard future medical breakthroughs, ensuring nature’s potential to continue offering vital cures.

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Source: NDTV‍