Science Alert: [2] Many people have no love for spiders. But some of the venomous arthropods could hold the key to unlocking a painkiller that rivals opioids in effectiveness, but without the damaging side-effects, such as addiction. [3] Scientists have modified the neurotoxic venom of a tarantula called the Chinese bird spider (Cyriopagopus schmidti) to produce a protein that acts as a powerful painkiller. So far, it’s proven effective in mice. [4] “Our findings could potentially lead to an alternative method of treating pain without the side-effects and reduce many individuals’ reliance on opioids for pain relief,” said chemical biologist Christina Schroeder of the University of Queensland in Australia.
[5] Opioids – drugs derived from the latex of opium poppies, as well as synthetic and semi-synthetic versions – are among the best tools we have for treating various types of pain. But they’re also hugely addictive, and overdose can be deadly. [6] In 2018, opioids were involved in 46,802 overdose deaths; the White House has called it “the worst drug crisis in US history”.
[7] Even when these drugs are used as prescribed, it’s not always smooth sailing. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, constipation, and difficulty breathing.
The myriad problems with opioids have driven researchers to hunt for alternatives, leading to the exploration of the neurotoxic venom of snakes, arachnids, and even sea snails. These venoms affect the nervous system, and their numbing and paralytic properties can be exploited to relieve pain once the deadly part has been extracted or neutralised.