Brazilian spider venom could be the next Viagra

Male erection problems are one of the most common sexual diseases among the male population in the world, which is why pills such as Viagra They entered the market by force. And now a group of scientists in Brazil is looking for a more natural method: poisoning. spider.

Its scientific name is Phoneutria nigriventer, also known as the Brazilian wandering or banana spider, and its venom causes, among other things, priapism – a permanent erection in the male reproductive system.

Although priapism can be painful and, in severe cases, even permanently damage the penis, the unusual side effect of the sting has long been of interest.

The treatment has already completed early human trials and will soon be tested in a phase II study.

Researchers at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil say they have created a synthetic version of the erection-inducing active ingredient in the poison, called BZ371A. This compound has been patented and is being developed by Biozeus as a topical gel applied to the penis and appears to increase blood flow by increasing levels of nitric oxide, a molecule critical for erections.

“Tests so far have shown that the compound works when applied in minimal quantities and without any toxicity as is. It is virtually undetectable in the bloodstream,” Maria Elena de Lima, one of the drug’s developers and a professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, said in a statement.

The phase II study will test BZ371A in patients who have had their prostate removed, which can cause damage to the nerves responsible for maintaining an erection, according to clinicaltrials.gov. It will involve 72 people who will be divided into one of three groups. Some will receive a low dose of tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) along with a topical placebo, others will receive BZ371A plus a placebo tablet, and a third group will receive BZ371A and tadalafil. The study is expected to be completed in April 2024.