Puffer fish toxin for Cancer-related pain

Tectin, an investigational drug undergoing research in Canada, is an injectable form of TTX extracted from the puffer fish. TTX is short for tetrodotoxin, the poison produced by the puffer fish. In it's raw form tetrodotoxin is 100 times more poisonous than cyanide. In a modified form (Tectin) it can be used to treat Cancer-related pain.

WEX pharmaceuticals in British Columbia, Canada has completed five clinical trials with TTX to date, with more than 200 patients. The results have been promising so far, with the drug being well-tolerated in all 200 patients.

TTX is 2,000 times more potent than morphine and does not have the side effects of opioids. The drug is non-addictive, fast-acting, and lasts much longer than current pain killers.

WEX is planning to file a protocol for the drug with the US FDA before the end of the 2010 year. We can expect to hear more about this drug and it's approvals/disapprovals in the next few years.

To read more about TTX and WEX pharmaceuticals, click here.

One more about venom

Here is a link from Animal Planet about deadly creatures and what their venom could mean for the future.

Gaboon Viper venom could treat circulatory disorders

I know, I know, I may be over-doing it with the snake stories. But, honestly, stories like this are fascinating. Each breed of venomous snake has a different venom - imagine if we could harness ALL of the qualities and use the venom to cure human diseases!

Gaboon Vipers, native to Africa, have the longest fangs of any snake in the world. While they are typically docile creatures, their bite is one of the most painful and dangerous in the African rain forest. The venom contains proteins that cause blood vessels to spill their contents into the surrounding tissues. The proteins cause spontaneous hemorrhages in major organs and can quickly lead to heart failure.

So why take a risk with such a deadly venom? Check out this article to find out!

Here is a link to a video about harnessing Gaboon Viper venom and the importance of protecting them.

In Loving Memory...

Vegas, my inspiration for this blog, crossed the Rainbow Bridge last week...

Run free sweet baby, we all miss you SO very much!

Horses for Autism?

We've all heard the stories...but can horses really help children diagnosed with Autism?

Isaacson says Betsy, his son's horse, is the only thing that has been able to calm down his toddler son, Rowan. Rowan was diagnosed with autism when he was only two years old. He was having up to 12 tantrums a day.

When Rowan accidentally wandered into the pasture and rolled under Betsy, Betsy automatically accepted him. Isaacson soon figured out that if Rowan rode Betsy with him, the horse's stride actually calmed his son down. Isaacson has been taking Rowan riding ever since.

Check out more on this inspiring article from ABC and formulate your own opinion on the hot topic!

University of Minnesota using Immunotherapy to suppress canine brain tumors

Check out this article from Ohlfest Brain Tumor Lab at the University of Minnesota. The vet school has developed a successful method for treating canine brain tumors that they hope to one day use with humans.