Protein in Snake Venom Stops Bleeding

The protein responsible for the pro-coagulant or blood-clotting effect in the venom was found in the deadly coastal taipan snake and is called factor X. Factor X can stem blood flow in a matter of seconds. Mammals and snakes naturally produce a small amount of factor X in their livers, but snakes produce a more stable and faster acting form of the factor in their venom, which is the only source of factor X other than mammalian livers.

An experimental drug based on factor X is being evaluated for clinical trials by biopharmaceutical-development company QRxPharma (Toowong, Australia). Australia has 17 of the world's most deadly snakes, many of which have not been studied for therapeutic leads.

The protein was identified by Ph.D. researcher Liam St. Pierre, from the Queensland University of Technology School of Life Sciences (Brisbane, QLD, Australia), who studied the venom of eight of Australia's deadliest land snakes for their therapeutic potential.

Australian snakes literally have a two-pronged attack when they bite their prey. Firstly, venom injection causes massive blood clots instantaneously followed by paralysis as a result of neurotoxins which eventually immobilize and kill the victim,” said Dr. St. Pierre. They have developed the ability to deliver massive fatal doses of factor X to specifically target the systems of mammals.



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Queensland University of Technology