NaV 1.7, nAChR – “Toxin block of NaV1.7 and nAChR receptors on the Patchliner”

Traditional drug development for ion channels has predominantly focused on small molecules. While effective, this approach often encounters challenges, particularly with selectivity and safety. Biologics, including toxins and venom-derived peptides, have emerged as a promising alternative to address these limitations. Animal toxins have long been invaluable in ion channel research, offering insights into their structure, function, and gating mechanisms. Venoms are now recognized as a rich resource for innovative research tools and therapeutic leads. Peptide-based drugs, derived from these venoms, have gained attention for their unique advantages, such as larger interaction surfaces that confer greater specificity and selectivity compared to small molecules.