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03 December 2025
Scorpion and a Medical Revolution
Can one find a cure for breast cancer while wandering through the Amazonian jungle? Yes, but it might be a dangerous encounter. The venom from the Brotheas amazonicus scorpion species is, in fact, a deadly poison. However, it turns out this very venom also conceals a remedy for one of the most dangerous cancers.
Researchers from the University of São Paulo reached this conclusion after thoroughly examining the venom’s chemical composition. Specifically, it contains a molecule named BamazScplp1. The Brazilian scientists tested the effect of this particle on cancer cells. The results are frankly shocking—the substance from the venom literally kills breast cancer.
Treating Breast Cancer Using Scorpion Venom
BamazScplp1 works through necrosis, a specific form of cell death. This is not a novelty for researchers. In fact, they have found similar working molecules in the venoms of other scorpion species. Nevertheless, the Brotheas amazonicus toxin showed highly positive effects when acting on cancer cells.
Laboratory tests demonstrated that the molecule isolated from the venom has a similar efficacy in destroying cancer as paclitaxel, a drug commonly used today in chemotherapy. All this effectiveness comes thanks to the process of necrosis, or, in other words, tissue death. Under normal conditions, scorpion venom causes this exact effect in its victim. However, scientists can apply this process against cancerous cells after isolating the molecule.
Key findings of the researchers
- Scientists from the University of São Paulo have discovered the BamazScplp1 molecule in scorpion venom.
- The substance kills breast cancer cells through necrosis.
- Its effectiveness is compared to paclitaxel.
- The molecule has been successfully produced in yeast — without obtaining venom.
- The research opens the door to new therapies inspired by nature.
Precious Substance Grown in Yeast
Crucially, to obtain this valuable molecule, the scientists did not actually need to catch the scorpion and extract the dangerous venom. Instead, they used a special type of yeast that acts as a “protein factory.”
The researchers first identified which gene in the scorpion’s DNA is responsible for producing BamazScplp1. Subsequently, they “cut out” this gene and introduced it into Pichia pastoris yeast. These organisms then manufactured the molecule, which proved exceptionally effective in fighting cancer.
Breast Cancer Treatment Inspired by Nature
The method described above opens the door to the mass production of the cancer-fighting molecule from scorpion venom, as well as other valuable animal proteins. A great example is the “biological glue” already developed by the Brazilian researchers, which they extracted from snake venom.
This substance could be useful for nerve regeneration, bone healing, and restoring function after spinal cord injuries. Scientists at the University of São Paulo obtained it in the same way as the cancer-killing particles from scorpion venom—by forcing genetically modified yeast to produce it. This treatment is already in the final, third phase of clinical trials and may soon gain approval for common use. Therefore, we can only hope that the drug for cancer obtained from scorpion venom faces a similar path.
Read this article in Polish: Trucizna uratuje życie? Jad skorpiona atakuje raka piersi
