Source: University of QueenslandA team of researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia are turning molecules from tarantula venom into an alternative to opioid pain killers.

A mini protein from the neurotoxin Huwentoxin-IV, isolated from the Chinese bird spider, can reportedly bind to pain receptors in the human body, according to the team.

To accomplish this, the team modified the protein, increasing its potency and ensuring that an appropriate amount of it bonds to the pain receptors and cell membrane encapsulating the receptors. According to researchers, the technique was effective during tests conducted on mice in the lab.

The venom protein could potentially alleviate pain, according to its developers, without the risk of addiction posed by commonly prescribed opioid pain killers, replacing prescriptions with a high incidence of addiction including morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone, for example. In addition to the high risk of addiction that these pharmaceuticals pose, they also come with potential side effects including nausea and constipation.