# Exploring the Pain-Relieving Potential: Unveiling Antinociceptive Properties in Animal Venoms and Toxins

## TL;DR

This study explores pain-relieving molecules from animal venoms and toxins, identifying potential new biopharmaceuticals with fewer side effects.

## Contribution

The study systematically identifies and classifies analgesic toxins from animal venoms with potential pharmacological targets.

## Key findings

- 152 toxins and venoms with analgesic potential were identified from 212 reviewed articles.
- Most of the identified toxins interact with ion channels, offering an alternative to current pain medications.
- Peptides with masses between 500 Da and 5000 Da are highlighted as strong candidates for new biopharmaceuticals.

## Abstract

Currently, commercially available pain medications can cause adverse effects. Within this framework, researchers have been exploring new drug candidates derived from animal venoms and toxins. The objective of this study was to investigate the number of molecules with potential for pain relief derived from animal venoms and toxins, which could potentially contribute to the development of new biopharmaceuticals. We conducted a literature search in January 2025, covering the period from 1960 to 2025, in two Latin American and nine international scientific databases. The results consisted of 212 articles selected for review. From these articles, 152 toxins and venoms with analgesic potential were identified and classified into 14 different types of pharmacological targets. The peptides investigated, with masses between 500 Da and 5000 Da, are strong candidates for alternative biopharmaceuticals. Most of the toxins found interact with ion channels, representing an alternative to commercially available drugs.