Erectile Dysfunction and Spider Venom

Researchers in Brazil and the US have found a strange phenomenon. A bite from the Brazilian Wandering spider can cause an erection that lasts for hours. Once the erection has subsided the long term effect can be life-long impotence.

As with many natural phenomena associated with animal venoms it can be possible to isolate the toxins within it. Then they can be tested in varying doses to determine if the symptoms can also be isolated and separated. In the case of this spider venom testing on rats has begun.

By using animals that have been bred for high blood pressure, and severe erectile dysfunction, the toxin was used to gauge at what point the toxin produced the right amount of nitric oxide to allow the animal to maintain an erection. Common ED treatments like Viagra increase nitric oxide and therefore enable an erection.

In theory this spider venom could become a contending drug therapy for male sexual dysfunction, but is only being tested on rats. In the local human populations where spider bites occur it has been known to cause fatalities, so the potential risks are high.

The implications for pharmaceutical companies are profound, as with 3 main ED drugs on the market there is clearly scope for a competitor. Eli Lilliey and Pfizer could face a serious fight for market share. To date pricing has plateaued, and counterfeit drugs have in some way undermined the credibility of the market, so a new entrant could shake things up.

However, much of this is speculation as testing is still in very early stages. In the meantime people can still get Viagra online from reputable, prescription suppliers.

Article Source: http://www.info-hog.com