Scorpion venom tones down cancer pain: study

Scorpion venom could well be the answer to the excruciating pain people suffering from cancer go through.

Scorpion venom could well be the answer to the excruciating pain people suffering from cancer go through.

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After a 10-year-old study at a cost of about $20 million, Cuban biotechnology researchers have developed a homeopathic medicine from venom of scorpions that has pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been proved that the medicine, Vidatox, can slow the growth of cancer tumours.

Scorpion venom has been used to treat different types of pain since ages. The medicine, which has no side-effects, can be used with regular cancer therapy drugs to improve overall quality of life. "We also reported instances of appetite returning, increased body weight, improved immunity in cancer patients," said Alexis Diaz Garcia, principal researcher.

The medicine was registered 50 days ago. Efforts are now on to get the product registered across the world. A 30ml vial lasts for three months. The selling price of the medicine is yet to be decided.