Introduction
It’s fascinating how the biggest of scientific breakthroughs often come from surprising origins. In particular, one of today’s most significant diabetes treatments actually traces its roots to the Gila monster venom. You might be surprised to learn that lizard peptides actually inspired GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for diabetes and weight loss.
This unexpected connection between a deadly toxin and a life-saving medication just shows the power of nature in science. Specifically, scientists examining venom peptides discovered compounds that could mimic GLP-1. Over time, these findings helped revolutionize diabetes treatment.
In this guide, let’s go through how the Gila Monster venom actually led to GLP-1 based therapies. Moreover, let’s understand how these drugs are dramatically changing lives.
GLP-1 and Its Role
The body relies on hormones like GLP-1 to manage blood sugar levels. Specifically, when you eat, your intestines release GLP-1. Next, GLP-1 triggers insulin secretion and reduces glucagon levels. With this process, blood sugar levels dip and it helps prevent dangerous spikes.
However, natural GLP-1 breaks down quickly, lasting only a few minutes. Because of this short lifespan, it’s difficult to use as a drug. Hence, scientists needed a version that stayed active longer. That’s where Gila Monster venom entered the picture.
The Role of Gila Monster Venom
Venom may seem like an unlikely source for medicine, but it has shaped multiple drug discoveries. In fact, more than 20 medications come from venomous creatures, including painkillers and blood pressure treatments. Certain animal toxins are also beneficial for treating cancers.
Lisinopril, a blood pressure medication, comes from the venom of the Brazilian viper. Specifically, it reduces chemicals that block blood flow.
In particular, snake and lizard venoms contain highly specialized peptides that interact with human cells in unique ways. Consequently, researchers realized that some venom peptides mimicked natural hormones, leading to potential treatments.
One major breakthrough came from a surprising reptile: the Gila monster.
Gila Monster Venom and GLP-1
In 1980, gastroenterologist Paul Ruffman at the National Institute of Health was testing venom on guinea pig pancreases. Because the pancreas plays an important role in food digestion, Ruffman wanted to see if venom would make the pancreas release more enzymes to speed up digestion.
He found that the Gila monster venom, in particular, produced the strongest reaction. They found that a protein in the venom worked like GLP-1, which humans have. The Gila monster is a venomous lizard that thrives in the Southwestern part of the United States and Sonora in Mexico. It can grow up to 22 inches long and is the only venomous lizard native to the US.
“It can be quite tedious,” Raufman shared. “The hope is that in the end, you discover something interesting. And it’s even more tedious if the experiment fails. You can do all of that and end up with nothing.”
Later, it was at the end of the 20th century when endocrinologist Daniel Drucker was searching for a hormone similar to GLP-1. Specifically, he wanted it to have the same benefits of suppressing appetite and regulating blood sugar levels. But he wanted a hormone that wouldn’t be broken down by the body as rapidly.
With his team from the University of Toronto, Drucker obtained a Gila monster from the Utah Zoo. With their work, they were able to confirm that the Gila monster and its unique peptide, exendin-4, behaved similarly to GLP-1. But unlike natural GLP-1, exendin-4 lasted much longer in the body, making it an ideal candidate for diabetes treatment.
“We didn’t know that GLP-1 would reduce appetite and be useful for weight loss,” remarked Drucker. “We didn’t know that GLP-1 would reduce heart attacks and strokes and improve metabolic liver disease and all of the things that GLP-1 does now.”
There was a synthetic version that came out thereafter. But it was only in 2005 when the Gila Monster venom discovery led to exenatide (Byetta), the first GLP-1 receptor agonist. Approved in 2005, exenatide helped type 2 diabetes patients regulate blood sugar levels and promoted weight loss.
As a result, Exendin-4’s success inspired more research into GLP-1-based treatments, leading to newer, more effective drugs.
Evolution of GLP-1 Treatments
Following exenatide’s success, pharmaceutical companies developed longer-lasting GLP-1 receptor agonists with better results. In particular, these drugs transformed diabetes care, helping patients control blood sugar and even lose weight.
Notable GLP-1-Based Treatments:
- Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) – Approved for diabetes and weight loss.
- Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) – More effective, with weekly dosing instead of daily.
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity) – Once-weekly injection for convenient blood sugar control.
These drugs work by slowing digestion, increasing insulin release, and reducing appetite. As such, they are useful for both diabetes and obesity management.
The Future of Venom-Inspired Medicine
Venom-based drugs continue to inspire researchers. In particular, scientists are now exploring new venom-derived peptides for longer-lasting and more effective GLP-1 therapies.
Potential Future Advancements:
- Oral GLP-1 drugs – Avoiding injections by creating a pill-based version.
- Combination therapies – Blending GLP-1 drugs with other treatments for better results.
- Personalized medicine – Customizing treatments based on a patient’s genetic makeup.
Venom research is also unlocking treatments beyond diabetes, including pain relief, cancer therapies, and heart disease medications.
Conclusion
Previously, snake and lizard venom was feared as a deadly toxin. However, it has become a life-saving treatment for millions. Specifically, the Gila Monster venom has helped scientists develop GLP-1 receptor agonists, transforming diabetes care.
Moreover, this discovery highlights the power of nature-inspired medicine, proving that even the most dangerous substances can lead to groundbreaking treatments. As research continues, venom-based drugs may hold the key to future medical advancements.
Nature’s secrets are still unfolding—who knows what life-saving discoveries await?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some popular GLP-1 receptor agonists?
Common GLP-1 drugs include exenatide (Byetta), liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), and dulaglutide (Trulicity).
2. What’s next for venom-based medicine?
Researchers are developing oral GLP-1 drugs, better combination treatments, and new venom-inspired therapies for other diseases.
3. What happens if a Gila monster bites you?
If a Gila monster bites you, it can cause intense pain, nausea, swelling, vomiting, sweating, low blood pressure, or sudden weakness. In fact, YouTuber Coyote Peterson has described it as “like hot lava coursing through your veins.”
Typically, though, its venom isn’t fatal for healthy adult humans, although there have been exceptions. The treatment entails immobilizing the bitten limb, calming the victim down to slow down the venom absorption and cleaning the bite wound.
4. Has anyone died from a Gila monster bite?
Yes, in February 16, 2024, 34-year-old Christopher Ward died in Colorado after his pet Gila monster bit him.
5. Why is GLP-1 so short-lived?
Naturally occurring GLP-1 survives for just about two minutes. This is because it’s rapidly degraded by enzymes dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV (DPP-4)67) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP)68).
6. What organ produces GLP-1?
It’s the small intestine that makes GLP-1 in your gut. Apart from triggering the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, it also reduces glucose levels in your blood.
7. What kills a Gila monster?
Predators such as foxes, coyotes, hawks, owls, and bobcats prey on the Gila monster. Some of them dig up and eat the lizard’s eggs.
Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
