Potential of Stonefish Venom in Developing New Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Researchers from James Cook University have uncovered promising medical potential in the venoms of two stonefish species, suggesting they could be a source for innovative drugs targeting inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Published in the journal Toxicon, their study highlights how the venom from the reef and estuarine stonefish exhibits potent immunosuppressive effects. The lead researcher, Dr. Silvia Luiza Saggiomo, from JCU's Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, explains that inflammation underpins many serious health conditions, including cancers, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Venoms from animal species are known to influence immune processes associated with inflammation, prompting the team to investigate stonefish toxins. They tested venoms from both species using various immunological assays and found that the venoms significantly reduced the activity of key inflammatory proteins involved in inflammation signaling within human cells. Notably, the venom from the reef stonefish proved more potent, effective even at very low doses, and remained active after freezing or drying, which supports their potential for long-term storage.

Further analysis revealed that specific fractions of the venom contained molecules capable of modulating immune responses. This discovery opens the door to isolating and developing these molecules into new therapeutic drugs. The next steps involve identifying and studying these particular components to create medicines that could eventually benefit patients suffering from autoimmune or other inflammatory conditions.

The research underscores the importance of animal venoms as a resource for drug discovery, especially in the development of treatments for inflammation-related diseases. As venom components can be stored long-term and are effective at low doses, they offer promising opportunities for pharmaceutical innovation.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-venom-stonefish-species-yield-medications.html