The medicine made from cone snail venom is Ziconotide, sold under the brand name Prialt.
Understanding Ziconotide
Ziconotide is a powerful and unique analgesic agent primarily used for the treatment of severe and chronic pain. Its origin traces back to the venom of a specific marine creature, the Conus magus, a type of cone snail. Although derived from this natural source, Ziconotide itself is a synthetic form of a particular peptide found in the snail's venom, known as an omega-conotoxin.
Key Characteristics and Administration
Classified as an atypical analgesic, Ziconotide works differently from conventional pain medications. Due to its potent nature and specific mechanism of action, it is administered intrathecally. This means it is delivered directly into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord, allowing it to target pain pathways effectively while minimizing widespread systemic side effects. It is primarily considered for patients who have not found sufficient relief from other pain management therapies.
Here's a concise overview of Ziconotide:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Medicine Name | Ziconotide |
| Brand Name | Prialt |
| Origin | Derived from Conus magus (cone snail) venom |
| Composition | Synthetic form of an ω-conotoxin peptide |
| Medical Use | Amelioration of severe and chronic pain |
| Administration | Intrathecal (direct injection into spinal fluid) |
| Classification | Atypical analgesic agent |
For more detailed information on this medication, you can visit the Ziconotide Wikipedia page.
