Animal Venoms

Animal venoms are complex mixtures with specific pathophysiological functions. The venoms usually consist of enzymes, proteins without enzymatic activity, and peptides. Such a wide range of peptides and proteins with diverse biological functions makes animal venoms rich sources of biologically active molecules for the development of new medicines. Several drugs based on the venom components have been successfully elaborated. For example, Eptifibatide, used to prevent heart attacks or the formation of blood clots, is an analogue of barbourin, a disintegrin isolated from Sistrurus miliarius barbouri snake venom. Otherwise, venoms are also used in basic research, diagnosis, as well as cosmetics.