Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting 11% of the global population. The research team has shown venom-derived peptides from spiders can block specific voltage gated-sodium (NaV) channels on nerve endings – the underlying cause of chronic abdominal pain. One of the benefits of the technology is that it is expected that the treatment will be a non-addictive solution to prolonged pain management of gut conditions.
Funded since: 2019
AusHealth partners: SAHMRI, University of Queensland
Status: Pre-clinical studies of structure-optimised peptides underway.