Venom from the Komodo dragon could lower your blood pressure according to Dr Bryan Fry, winner of the Australian Academy of Science’s 2011 Fenner Medal, which honours the late Professor Frank Fenner.
“Previously it was thought there were only two lizard species in the world with venom,” explained Dr Fry.
His work has shown that in fact there are hundreds of venomous lizard species, including all Australian goannas and even the iconic Komodo dragon.
The predatory ecology of the Komodo dragon has been a subject of long-standing interest and considerable conjecture. Dr Fry’s team investigated the potential interplay between its biting mechanics, toxic bacteria in its mouth, and its venom.
“We were able to demonstrate that the effects of deep wounds inflicted by Komodo dragons are caused by venom with toxic activities including anticoagulation and shock induction,” he said.
“We have already found some fantastically interesting compounds in Komodo dragon and other goanna venoms that profoundly lower the blood pressure and are also potent anticoagulants.
“There is a rich opportunity for discovering novel compounds with potential for use in drug design and development.”
Dr Fry has scoured the globe to identify and study venomous creatures.
“I have successfully led expeditions to almost 40 countries spread across every continent,” he said.
“These have targeted every group of venomous animal including such disparate creatures as anemones, centipedes, insects, fish, frogs, lizards, jellyfish, octopuses, salamanders, scorpions, spiders, snakes and even venomous sharks.”
Dr Bryan Fry will be awarded the Fenner Medal and will present his work at the Shine Dome in Canberra today at about 10.45 am, as part of the Academy’s annual Science at the Shine Dome conference..
Details of the program including all speakers’ abstracts are at:
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