How scientists milk venom from Australia’s toxic marine animals to produce life-saving antivenoms

Seymour, who is the toxicologist at James Cook University in Australia, is among those who survived its sting. His team is studying the country’s deadliest marine animals to understand them and keep people safe. Despite the countless venomous animals across Australia, fatalities are relatively rare. Data shows an average of 32 animal-related deaths each year between 2001 and 2017.

This jellyfish hurls ‘venom grenades’ to sting its prey

Since 1883, there have been only two recorded deaths from Irukandji jellyfish and about 70 deaths from box jellyfish. By comparison, about 4,700 people died from drug, alcohol and vehicle-related incidents in Australia in 2022 alone, according to government data. “So, the chances of you being stung by an animal in Australia – or bitten – is reasonable, but the chances of dying very small,” Seymour said.

His facility in the university is the only one that milks venom from these deadly marine animals and turns it into antivenom.

For the deadly box jellyfish, that process is especially tricky. Researchers must remove their tentacles, freeze-dry them and collect the venom once it solidifies. However, there’s no antivenom for the Irukandji jellyfish. Instead, doctors treat each symptom as it appears. If you get rapid medical help, the chance of survival is high.

The venom extraction process for stonefish is more challenging. Researchers must insert a syringe into a live fish’s venom glands, holding it with a towel while they withdraw a thimble full of the deadly fluid. The venom is then sent to a facility in the state of Victoria, where it is processed into life-saving antivenom (see graphic).

Antivenoms are shipped to hospitals around Australia and some Pacific islands, where they can be administered if someone is hurt by an animal. “We have some of the best antivenoms in the world. There is no doubt about that,” Seymour said.

Scientists say antivenom may be increasingly needed because of climate change. About 60 years ago, the Irukandji jellyfish stinging season in Australia ran from November to December. Now that ocean temperatures are warmer for longer, jellyfish can linger as late as March. Warming oceans are also pushing these deadly jellyfish further south along the Australian coast.

Seymour’s students have found that temperature changes can also alter the toxicity of venom. “For example, if I make an antivenom for an animal [living] at 20 degrees and I get bitten by an animal that lives in the wild at 30 degrees, that antivenom isn’t going to work,” he said.

Agence France-Presse

Studies have shown that venom from stinging creatures could be used to treat various health conditions.

For example, ACE inhibitors are a type of heart medicine that comes from the venom of Brazilian pit vipers. They help relax blood vessels and lower your blood pressure.

Snakes with bumpy scales, like the saw-scaled viper, have venom that thins the blood. Scientists have used this venom to create a medicine called tirofiban to help prevent blood clots.

Deathstalker scorpion venom contains a toxin called chlorotoxin. It helps nanovectors (microscopic delivery vehicles that carry things like medicine or other helpful materials inside the body) get inside brain tumour cells more efficiently. Scientists are working on using this toxin to find cancers and even deliver medicine directly to tumours.