The Surprising Role of Gila Monsters in Modern Medicine
Arizona is home to a diverse array of wildlife, but one creature in particular stands out for its contribution to modern medicine – the Gila monster.
“I think it’s the iconic Southwest desert animal,” says Bradley Lawrence, Curator at the Phoenix Zoo.
The Gila monster, a venomous reptile, spends most of its life underground, making it a rare sight for many.
“They can get to be 20 inches or so, it’s a large lizard,” Lawrence explains. “It’s the largest lizard in North America.”
While their bite can be excruciatingly painful due to venom glands in their lower jaw, this venom has proven to be beneficial for those with type-2 diabetes.
The venom acts like insulin, lowering blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Research on animal venoms has led to the development of various treatments, with Gila monster venom playing a significant role in creating type-2 diabetes drugs like Ozempic.
Dr. Dan Quan, an Emergency Physician and Medical Toxicologist, explains how the components of Gila monster venom mimic human proteins, aiding in insulin production and blood sugar regulation.
While the venom itself is no longer needed in the production of these medications, the initial research done on Gila monsters has paved the way for life-saving treatments.
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Next time you encounter a Gila monster, remember that these creatures, despite their dangerous reputation, have played a crucial role in advancing medical science and saving lives.
“All animals out there can contribute all kinds of things in our life,” Dr. Quan said. “If we can find something that will help us all, why not? I think it’s amazing, especially now with all the instrumentation we have, the techniques we have. We’ll certainly find more in the future.”
“A lot of venomous animals are persecuted heavily so it’s nice to let people know we need these animals,” Lawrence said. “The environment needs them, we need them as well.”
Experts advise against picking up or touching Gila monsters, as it is not only dangerous but also illegal.
