Brazilian viper venom may become tool in fight against COVID-19

In a groundbreaking development regarding the fight against COVID-19, a recent study has shown that venom of Brazilian vipers may become a significant tool in fight against coronavirus.

Brazillian researchers have discovered that a molecule in the venom of a type of snake called jararacussu pit has impeded coronavirus reproduction in monkey cells and can multiply by 75 per cent.

The study published in the scientific journal Molecules, stated that the molecule is a peptide, or chain of amino acids, that can connect to an enzyme of the coronavirus called PLPro. Which was imperative to reproduction of the virus, without harming other cells.

The peptide already well known for its antibacterial features cab be synthesised in the lab.

Anticipating to try the substance in human cells, scientists will next assess the capability of different doses of the molecule.

As maintained in a statement from the State University of Sao Paulo, only evacuation can corroborated if it is able to stop the virus from entering cells in the first place.

The jararacussu is one of the largest snakes found in Brazil, measuring up to 6 feet long. It inhabits the coastal Atlantic Forest and is also found in Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.

Also Read: Coronavirus: India reports 41,965 new COVID cases, 460 deaths