UFMG identifies spider venom with potential to treat erectile dysfunction; understand

Researchers at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) have identified a spider venom with the potential to treat erectile dysfunction. The study has been carried out for 20 years and resulted in a molecule that can be used in gels to promote male erections.

What spider is this?

A Phoneutria nigriventerthe scientific name of the armored spider, is found in South American countries, including Brazil. In Minas Gerais, it is present in urban and rural areas.
The animal received its name because of its attacking position, with front paws raised (see photo above). When it feels threatened, it can jump up to 40 centimeters.
The species is one of the most poisonous in the world. The toxin is capable of causing, especially in young men, an involuntary and painful erection, known as priapism, which can lead to necrosis of the penis.
A bite from it can be fatal.

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What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to produce or maintain an erection enough for a satisfactory sexual relationship.
According to experts, it is the main sexual problem experienced by men.
The causes vary and are often related to psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress.
It can also be a consequence of physical problems, which affect the vascularization or innervation of the penis.

How did the research come about?

The UFMG researchers sought to understand, from a pharmacological point of view, the mechanisms that generate priapism caused by the venom of the spider spider.
The study began almost 20 years ago, based on a doctoral thesis. It is led by retired professor Maria Elena de Lima, from the Department of Biochemistry and Immunology at the Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB/UFMG).
In the laboratory, from spider venom, scientists managed to extract a synthetic molecule with promising properties for creating a gel against erectile dysfunction.
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What are the results of the study?

To date, the molecule, called BZ371A, has already generated 22 international patents and nine applied ones.
According to professor Maria Elena de Lima, the research is “inspired by our biodiversity, which begins with the study of spider venom and is close to generating a possible medicine“.
The drug candidate for erectile dysfunction was recently approved in phase 1 testing by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), which evaluates the possible effects on the body. The first step proved that the compound no is toxic to humans.
In a pilot test, carried out on men and women, the researchers observed that the topical application (on the skin) of BZ371A results in vasodilation and increased local blood flow, facilitating penile erection. The same occurred in previous experiments with mice.

When will the product be on the market?

Biozeus Biopharmaceutical, the company that acquired the drug’s patent, is preparing to begin essay phase 2 clinical trials, when BZ371A will be tested in men who have undergone prostate removal surgery (prostatectomized). Intervention often leads to erectile dysfunction.
At this stage, the potential of the medicine will be tested, when comparing the effect in healthy individuals with that generated in prostatectomized people.
If approved in the second phase, the tests will go to phase 3, when they will be expanded and can be carried out in hospitals. Just after that, the drug may be validated as a medicine.
Despite not having a forecast for reaching the marketthe research indicates that the possible drug has the potential to help men who, for different reasons, cannot use medications currently available in pharmacies, such as Viagra and Cialis.
According to the researchers, one advantage is that the approval of topical medications, such as the gel, tends to be much faster, due to the lower possibility of adverse side effects.

What spider is this?

A Phoneutria nigriventerthe scientific name of the armored spider, is found in South American countries, including Brazil. In Minas Gerais, it is present in urban and rural areas.
The animal received its name because of its attacking position, with front paws raised (see photo above). When it feels threatened, it can jump up to 40 centimeters.
The species is one of the most poisonous in the world. The toxin is capable of causing, especially in young men, an involuntary and painful erection, known as priapism, which can lead to necrosis of the penis.
A bite from it can be fatal.

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What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to produce or maintain an erection enough for a satisfactory sexual relationship.
According to experts, it is the main sexual problem experienced by men.
The causes vary and are often related to psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress.
It can also be a consequence of physical problems, which affect the vascularization or innervation of the penis.

How did the research come about?

The UFMG researchers sought to understand, from a pharmacological point of view, the mechanisms that generate priapism caused by the venom of the spider spider.
The study began almost 20 years ago, based on a doctoral thesis. It is led by retired professor Maria Elena de Lima, from the Department of Biochemistry and Immunology at the Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB/UFMG).
In the laboratory, from spider venom, scientists managed to extract a synthetic molecule with promising properties for creating a gel against erectile dysfunction.
Mayor of the city of Ceará has not been seen for 8 months and has not passed on his position to vice president

What are the results of the study?

To date, the molecule, called BZ371A, has already generated 22 international patents and nine applied ones.
According to professor Maria Elena de Lima, the research is “inspired by our biodiversity, which begins with the study of spider venom and is close to generating a possible medicine“.
The drug candidate for erectile dysfunction was recently approved in phase 1 testing by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), which evaluates the possible effects on the body. The first step proved that the compound no is toxic to humans.
In a pilot test, carried out on men and women, the researchers observed that the topical application (on the skin) of BZ371A results in vasodilation and increased local blood flow, facilitating penile erection. The same occurred in previous experiments with mice.

When will the product be on the market?

Biozeus Biopharmaceutical, the company that acquired the drug’s patent, is preparing to begin essay phase 2 clinical trials, when BZ371A will be tested in men who have undergone prostate removal surgery (prostatectomized). Intervention often leads to erectile dysfunction.
At this stage, the potential of the medicine will be tested, when comparing the effect in healthy individuals with that generated in prostatectomized people.
If approved in the second phase, the tests will go to phase 3, when they will be expanded and can be carried out in hospitals. Just after that, the drug may be validated as a medicine.
Despite not having a forecast for reaching the marketthe research indicates that the possible drug has the potential to help men who, for different reasons, cannot use medications currently available in pharmacies, such as Viagra and Cialis.
According to the researchers, one advantage is that the approval of topical medications, such as the gel, tends to be much faster, due to the lower possibility of adverse side effects.