Originally Posted by mrsD

Sounds promising, but there are downsides to venom derived drugs.

There is Byetta, a reptile (gila monster) venom derivation= pancreatitis for diabetes.

the ziconotide mentioned in the article causes psychosis in enough people to discourage its use --which needs an implantable device to pump the drug into the spine.

Lisinopril is one of several ACE drugs derived from S.American snake venom... causes severe reactions in people --myself included.

Here is an interesting link that goes into more detail about venom derived drugs:
http://www.bachem.com/research-produ...y-with-venoms/

These peptides appear to be complex and have side effects more so than traditional drugs we currently use.