biomedicalephemera: Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum)
Gila monsters are the close relative of the Mexican beaded lizard, identified in the early 19th century as the first truly venomous lizard. Gila monsters weren’t described as a unique species until the mid-1800s.
Today, the unique peptides in their venom are being researched for use in a multitude of applications, such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and ADHD. There is already a drug on the market derived from an enzyme created by the Mexican beaded lizard that is used in management of Type 2 Diabetes, and trials for drugs derived from the Gila monster are particularly promising in progressive dementia.
Animaux Venimeux et Venins. Marie Phisalix, 1922.
