World-first research found a molecule found in funnel-web spider venom can potentially save the heart during Heart attacks.
Researchers from the University of Queensland developed the breakthrough drug, inspired by the deadly venom, which could save thousands of lives each year.
The peptide, also known as Hi1a, mimics the venom of a funnel-web and can both protect the heart mid-heart attack and improve viability of a donor heart.
The federal government has pumped $17.6 million in funding to the research project, known as The Heart Rehab Clinical Trials: Therapeutics to Protect the Human Heart project.
The project soon will kick off clinical trials for heart attacks and heart transplantation.
It’s hoped researchers will be able to bring the treatment to market within 10 years.
9news
