Venom of big snake can cure coronavirus in monkeys, says Brazilian study

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Brazilian researchers have found that a molecule in the venom of a big local snake inhibited coronavirus reproduction in monkey cells. The breakthrough holds the potential of developing a medicine to fight COVID-19.</p>
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A study published in the scientific journal Molecules this month found that the molecule produced by the jararacussu pit viper inhibited the virus's ability to multiply in monkey cells by 75%.</p>
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"We were able to show this component of snake venom was able to inhibit a very important protein from the virus," a Reuters report cited Rafael Guido, a University of Sao Paulo professor and an author of the study.</p>
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The molecule is a peptide, or chain of amino acids, that can connect to an enzyme of the coronavirus called PLPro, which is vital to reproduction of the virus, without hurting other cells.</p>
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Already known for its antibacterial qualities, the peptide can be synthesized in the laboratory, Guido said in an interview, making the capture or raising of the snakes unnecessary.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/snake_Venom_cure_coronavirus.webp" /></p>
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Researchers will now evaluate the efficiency of different doses of the molecule and whether it is able to prevent the virus from entering cells in the first place, according to a statement from the State University of Sao Paulo,  which was also involved in the research.</p>
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The statement said the substance would also be tested for its effect in human cells but did not mention any time schedule for carrying out the trials.</p>
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The jararacussu is one of the largest snakes in Brazil, measuring up to 6 feet in length. It lives in the coastal Atlantic Forest and is also found in Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.</p>