Funnel-web spider venom promises new hope for stroke victims because it shuts off pathway responsible for brain damage
- Venom from Fraser Island funnel-web spider could reduce severity of a stroke
- Professor Glen King said a molecule in the venom could stall damage to brain
- Patients can only be treated for stroke once they are taken to hospital and tested
- However the discovery of the venom means paramedics could administer a drug
Venom from one of the world's most dangerous spiders could have the potential to reduce the severity of a stroke, according to one scientist.
Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience professor Glenn King said a molecule found in the Fraser Island funnel-web's venom could inhibit damage to the brain.
'Venoms are extremely complicated mixtures of ion-channel modulators, in this case the spider venom shuts off a specific ion pathway in the brain that is responsible for triggering massive cell death after stroke,' professor King told ABC Radio Brisbane.
'You can't stop neurons that have already died, but you could give this drug eight hours after stroke and still get massive protection of the brain.'
Venom from one of the world's most dangerous spiders could have the potential to reduce the severity of a stroke, according to one scientist (pictured, stock image of funnel-web spider)
Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience professor Glenn King (pictured) said a molecule found in the Fraser Island funnel-web's venom could slow damage to the brain
Strokes are the third biggest killer in Australia, with more than 56,000 people suffering one in 2017, according to The Stroke Foundation.
Currently doctors only have a four-and-a-half hour window from the moment a patient suffers stroke to prevent long-lasting side effects.
'When you have a stroke, oxygen doesn't flow to certain parts of the brain and the brain switches the way it uses its fuel and you get lactic acid doses and the brain becomes acidic,' professor King said.
Treatment can only be administered once a patient is in hospital, and that comes after brain scans and an analysis from the doctor who then decides what avenue to take.
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For many living in rural towns, that's crucial time lost when added onto the time it takes to get the hospital.
Professor King said the the venom from the spider could be developed into a drug that even paramedics could administer it in a matter of minutes.
'This potentially could be the most profound application of this molecule.'
The drug has already been successfully tested on rodents but Professor King said it was still a long way off from hitting the market.
In the meantime, he and his team are looking to raise money to speed up the clinical trials.
According to Mr King, the Queensland Government and National Health and Medical Research Council have thrown their support behind the trials.
To help raise money, University of Queensland has started its own campaign Not if, When — the Campaign to Create Change.
The Stroke Foundation says stroke is the third biggest killer in Australia - more than 56,000 people suffered one in 2017 (stock image)
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