Platypus venom paves way to possible diabetes treatment

[OrbitalDawn]

Platypus venom could pave the way for new treatments for type 2 diabetes, say Australian researchers.

The males of the extraordinary semi-aquatic mammal - one of the only kind to lay eggs - have venomous spurs on the heels of their hind feet.

The poison is used to ward off adversaries.

But scientists at the University of Adelaide have discovered it contains a hormone that could help treat diabetes.

Known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), it is also found in humans and other animals, where it promotes insulin release, lowering blood glucose levels. But it normally degrades very quickly.

Not for the duck-billed bottom feeders though. Or for echidnas, also known as spiny anteaters - another iconic Australian species found to carry the unusual hormone.

Both produce a long-lasting form of it, offering the tantalising prospect of creating something similar for human diabetes sufferers.

 

[Sodan]

Platypus and echidna... aren't they the only two egg-laying mammal species?

 

[Ninja'd]

I bet you one of the scientists experimenting on them is named Doofenshmirtz.

 

[pinball wizard]

Platypusses are venomous? Oh well, you learn something new every other day I guess...

 

[SYNERGY]

Platypusses are venomous? Oh well, you learn something new every other day I guess...

+ 1. Wanted to post this. I was like :wtf:

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

if its legit, and they manage to block diabetes,

wont see the light of day,

simple reason, diabetes and any medicine that fixes a medical condition permanently isn't in medicine companies best interest.
take thyroid disorders, why does one have to take chronic medicine that one needs to pay for to fix an issue?

maybe its me and my conpiracy theories, but this wont make it see the light of day,

 

[PsyWulf]

if its legit, and they manage to block diabetes,

wont see the light of day,

simple reason, diabetes and any medicine that fixes a medical condition permanently isn't in medicine companies best interest.
take thyroid disorders, why does one have to take chronic medicine that one needs to pay for to fix an issue?

maybe its me and my conpiracy theories, but this wont make it see the light of day,

If my reading and comprehension is correct,this would be much like those in that it would likely be more like a weekly/monthly treatment

But it normally degrades very quickly

Not a cure,a treatment

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

If my reading and comprehension is correct,this would be much like those in that it would likely be more like a weekly/monthly treatment


Not a cure,a treatment

still thats the point, a treatment makes money, a cure wont....

same story as ulcers, was a very expensive treatment, and many died from it,
until some doctor found a solution that solve it forever,

drug companies wouldnt allow a cure to be marketed, it eat into their profit margins...