Brisbane-based start-up scored $23 million

A Brisbane-based start-up turned out of the University of Queensland has scored $23 million to finance clinical trials for potentially life-saving medication, utilizing the venom of one of the world’s deadliest spiders.

Pre-clinical research proposes a particle in the venom of the K’gari (Fraser Island) funnel web spider could hinder nerve signals that cause the death of the heart and brain cells following a cardiovascular attack or stroke.

About 18 million people annually die from heart attacks or strokes and this should lead to reduced mortality and morbidity.

University of Queensland’s Nathan Palpant, Mark Smythe and Glenn King is taking a new heart attack drug candidate using funnel web spider venom through clinical trials.

Source: AFR