A newly engineered CAR T cell that incorporates a peptide isolated from the venom of the deathstalker scorpion has broad brain tumor–binding capabilities that will be investigated in an upcoming clinical trial.

A mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis reveals that a tiny protein in scorpion venom can deliver steroids to affected joints.

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A cornucopia of toxins in the animal kingdom could provide inspiration for novel painkillers, but so far, effective drugs have proven elusive.
 

Studying cone snail venom has yielded novel pain pathways, but the peptides that function as toxins are difficult to translate into drugs.

Venomous centipedes may harbor a clue to the creation of a successful pain-killing compound for humans.

Arachnids harbor a plentiful array of molecules that target mammalian pain receptors.

Compounds in the arachnids’ venom interact with ion channels to both cause and block pain.

If successful, the treatments could alleviate patients’ pain by reducing inflammation.