Scientists Brazilians have discovered that a molecule in the venom of a certain type of snake inhibits coronavirus reproduction. They did more experiments on monkeys. Encouraged by these findings, the researchers believe that this is a possible step in the development of a new drug to fight the virus. SARS-Cov-2, as Reuters writes.
A study published in the scientific journal Molecules shows that the molecule produced by the jararacussu viper inhibited the virus’s ability to multiply in monkey cells by 75%.
“We were able to demonstrate that this component of snake venom was able to inhibit a very important protein in the virus,” said Professor Rafael Guido. He works as a professor at the University of Sao Paolo and is the author of the published study.
The molecule analyzed is a peptide or chain of amino acids that can bind to a coronavirus enzyme called PLPro, which is vital in the reproduction of the virus that produces COVID-19.
The molecule can be obtained synthetically in the laboratory
The scientists explained that the new discovery should not lead to a mass hunt of jararacussu vipers, in the idea that this venom COVID can cure them. They said that it was not the venom itself that helped, but a certain molecule extracted from it.
“We are cautious about the people who will go on a jararacussu hunt around Brazil, believing that they will save the world… That is not the idea! The venom itself will not cure the coronavirus, “said Giuseppe Puorto, a herpetologist.
Known for its antibacterial properties, the molecule in jararacussu venom can be synthesized in the laboratory. This eliminates the need to capture or raise these snakes in order to take venom.
Brazilian researchers will test the molecule on humans
Brazilian researchers will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of different doses of the molecule and whether it is able to prevent the virus from entering the cells. They sent a statement through the press office of the State University of Sao Paulo in which they showed what they intend to do next.
The scientists involved in the research want to test the substance they discovered in human cells, but did not provide more details on when they will do so.
Jararacussu is one of the largest snakes in Brazil, measuring up to 2 meters long. It lives in forested areas on the Atlantic coast and can also be found in Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina.
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