Australian scientists are one step closer to developing new pain relief drugs from chemicals, known as conotoxins, used by venomous sea snails to immobilise and kill their prey.
Professor of pharmacology at the University of Sydney, Macdonald Christie said indications suggest conotoxins are more effective than opioids and cannabinoids, have fewer side effects and the additional benefit of treating the cause of pain.
It is hoped the drugs will eventually reduce reliance on highly addictive opioid-based painkillers and provide effective relief for the one in five Australians affected by chronic pain.