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Review
. 2011 Oct;10(5):322-42.
doi: 10.2174/187152811797200696.

Therapeutic potential of peptide toxins that target ion channels

Affiliations
Review

Therapeutic potential of peptide toxins that target ion channels

Evelyne Beraud et al. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2011 Oct.

Abstract

Traditional healthcare systems in China, India, Greece and the Middle East have for centuries exploited venomous creatures as a resource for medicines. This review focuses on one class of pharmacologically active compounds from venom, namely peptide toxins that target ion channels. We highlight their therapeutic potential and the specific channels they target. The field of therapeutic application is vast, including pain, inflammation, cancer, neurological disorders, cardioprotection, and autoimmune diseases. One of these peptides is in clinical use, and many others are in various stages of pre-clinical and clinical development.

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