Photograph by Lawrence Reeves, University of Florida.
A team of scientists in Brazil has unveiled a groundbreaking breakthrough in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Using the venom of the infamous Brazilian wandering spider, Phoneutria nigriventer, researchers synthesized BZ371A, a synthetic chemical poised to change the way we think about sexual health.
Making the Cure from Spider Venom
The Brazilian wandering spider often called the banana spider due to its fondness for banana leaves, is famous for its strong venom.
Getting bitten by this spider can cause troubling symptoms like extreme pain, shaking, cramps, lots of sweating, weakness, and heart rate changes. In the worst cases, this venomous bite can even be deadly.
But what is really interesting is that this spider's bite has an unusual side effect that has intrigued scientists - it can cause priapism. Priapism is a condition where a man's private part stays erect for a long time, which not only feels really uncomfortable but can also harm the affected organ.
IFLScience tells us that this surprising discovery made researchers want to study the spider's venom more to see if it could lead to a cure for erectile dysfunction.
Deciphering the Bioactive Key
Years of research at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil have borne fruit.
Scientists identified the specific bioactive compound within the venom responsible for these unwanted erections - a peptide called BZ371A.
After rigorous laboratory synthesis and preliminary tests on mice, the team is now on the verge of commencing phase 2 clinical trials targeting men with erectile dysfunction.
Unlike traditional oral medications like Viagra and Cialis, BZ371A is designed as a topical treatment applied directly to the penis.
This method prompts increased blood flow to the region, inducing a natural erection without the adverse side effects often associated with systemic medications.
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A Leap Forward in Clinical Testing
Maria Elena de Lima, a professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais and a pivotal figure in this research, stated, "Tests, so far, have demonstrated that the compound works with the application of a minimal amount and without any toxicity as it is practically not detected in the bloodstream."
This not only emphasizes the drug's potential efficacy but also suggests a smoother path through the regulatory approval process, thanks to its lower likelihood of adverse side effects.
From Discovery to Global Impact
Paulo Lacativa, the executive director of Biozeus, a company involved in the development of the cure, stated, "This may be the first time that a discovery from a Brazilian university results in a medication that is developed for the entire world."
The success of this endeavor could not only address the urgent need for effective treatments for erectile dysfunction but also offer a lifeline to prostatectomies men facing a heightened risk of sexual dysfunction.
Prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate, often leads to erectile issues, and BZ371A could provide an innovative solution.
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