Diabetes, Hormone Disorder Drugs Could Be Derived from Deadly Sea Snail Toxin

Scientists from the University of Utah have discovered a toxin in marine cone snail venom, which mimic human somatostatin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar and other hormones. The toxin produced by the cone snail has specific, long-lasting hormone-like effects, displaying potential to improve treatment for diabetes and hormone disorders. Findings provide an example of potential alternatives to human-engineered drugs, through use of natural compounds.