New modulators of voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes from Australian Tarantula venoms

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The venoms of Australian tarantula spiders provide a unique and untapped source of bioactive molecules. From a large stock of venom, and in collaboration with Australian pharmaceutical company Xenome, we will develop a comprehensive library of venom components suitable for drug screening. Potential national benefits from this work include a huge reduction in the healthcare bill deriving from a new treatment for pain, as well as substantial royalty returns from drugs sales. Discoveries from the program are also likely to lead to an enhancement in Australia's reputation in the neurosciences and to the development of new diagnostic research tools. The major community benefit will be a reduction in the suffering of chronic pain patients.