Spider Venom Molecule Shows Promise in Treating Heart Attacks and Strokes

The molecule Hi1a, found in K'gari funnel web spider venom, has passed critical preclinical tests, offering hope for a breakthrough in cardiovascular disease treatment.

• Researchers at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience have found that a molecule in the venom of the K'gari funnel web spider, Hi1a, could potentially be used to treat heart attacks and strokes.
• Hi1a has passed critical benchmarks in preclinical tests, showing promise as a therapeutic option for cardiovascular diseases.
• The molecule is as effective at protecting the heart as the only cardioprotective drug to reach Phase 3 clinical trials, which was ultimately shelved due to side effects.
• Hi1a only interacts with cells in the injured zone of the heart during an attack and doesn't bind to healthy regions of the heart, reducing the chance of side effects.
• Infensa Bioscience has raised AU$23 million to develop the Hi1a drug candidate commercially.

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