The “Gila Monster” is a venomous lizard about which something crucial is unknown. Thanks to it, scientists discovered an enzyme that inspired them to develop medications that are revolutionary today in helping people with diabetes and obesity.
This despite the fact that the bite of the animal could cause serious complications to any human being.
What is the Gila Monster like
Its scientific name is Heloderma suspectum, but most people know it as the Gila Monster.
Due to the bite of this animal, in November 2024, a man who had it as a pet died in the state of Colorado, United States.
It is one of the two species of venomous lizards native to North America. Its venom evolved to immobilize small prey, given its lack of agility.
From venom to revolutionary medication
Paradoxically, this small lizard is behind one of the medical discoveries that could save the most lives in the future.
In its venom, scientists discovered an enzyme that would inspire scientists to develop medications that increase the activity of the GLP-1 receptor. Today they are sold on the market under the brands Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro and promise to be a revolution in the fight against type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The scientists discovered that, in addition to having an effect on the prey, a hormone present in the venom seemed to be helping to slow down the Gila Monster’s metabolism.
To such an extent that this lizard can survive up to a year with just six meals, according to the University of Queensland.
By isolating it, researchers discovered that this hormone, which they called exendin-4, was very similar to GLP-1, a substance that humans naturally produce to regulate blood sugar levels after meals.
According to the scientists, exendin-4 is different from GLP-1 in a key characteristic: while human GLP-1 quickly leaves the body through natural excretion mechanisms, exendin-4 remains in the body longer.
This makes its effect on glucose regulation longer-lasting.
Thus, the first major practical application of exendin-4 was for the development of a medication called Byetta (exenatide), specifically to treat type 2 diabetes.
The lizard research that led to medication. (Photo: Wikipedia).
“It’s amazing how with a change in one or two amino acids, you can make the molecule last longer in the bloodstream, maintaining or even increasing its therapeutic efficacy,” Professor Kini told BBC Mundo.
The experience with the Gila Monster thus demonstrates the potential of combining molecular biology, pharmacology, and detailed venom study.
In Argentina: Advances in scorpion antivenom serum
Regarding scientific research, Argentina is not behind. Recently, the work of local researchers seeking to create a scorpion antivenom serum in the Province of Buenos Aires was revealed.
The Parasitological and Vector Studies Center (CEPAVE) is advancing in collaboration with the Biological Institute “Tomás Perón” of the Province.
The goal is to use scorpion venom in people bitten by these animals. The project is supported by the CIC through the Ideas-Project call.
