Move over Viagra! Spider’s erection-inducing venom could ‘cure’ erectile dysfunction
SPIDER venom is being tested in a rub-on gel for erectile dysfunction.
Scientists believe they can harness the power of the Brazilian wandering spider to boost men’s performance in the bedroom.
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A bite from the deadly creepy crawly can lead to “long and painful erections.”
About 72 men will now test a gel made from a molecule in the venom. The results are expected in the spring.
Professor Maria Elena De Lima from the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil said: “The drug candidate has shown that it does not cause side effects even at high doses.”
Erectile dysfunction affects around 16.5 million men in the UK, with it affecting around half of those aged 40 to 70.
The NHS spent £18.3 million last year prescribing drugs – including Viagra and Cialis – for treatment.
Testing of the spider venom began decades ago after scientists discovered its erection-inducing potential – although it sometimes caused penis flesh to rot.
Trials in 2019 showed that the molecule improved blood flow to the penis by 113 percent when applied as a gel.
The compound, called BZ371A, helped men achieve an erection within half an hour.
It is thought to work by increasing nitric oxide levels, which opens the blood vessels in the penis and allows more blood to enter when aroused.
Scientists are currently preparing phase 2 clinical trials to test the drug in men who have undergone prostate removal for cancer.
Due to the operation, patients often suffer from erectile dysfunction. Researchers hope this may give them new hope and lead to fewer men being turned away from cancer treatment.
If successful, the tests will be expanded and carried out in hospitals before the manufacturer Biozeus applies for approval for wider use.
Professor Elena said: “Testing has shown that the compound works without any toxicity as it is virtually undetectable in the bloodstream.
“The big advantage is that approval of topical medications tends to occur much more quickly due to the lower possibility of adverse side effects.”
