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Spin doctors: Spiders enrolled in pain relief

Spider venom may contain a long-sought secret ingredient for an effective, long-term painkiller, researchers said Wednesday. In lab-dish tests, seven compounds obtained from venom blocked a protein crucial for transmitting the sensation of pain to the human brain. “The hunt for a medicine based on just one of these compounds, which would open up a new class of potent painkillers, is now a step closer,” said a statement issued with the study published by the British Journal of Pharmacology. If it could be targeted and controlled, this “off switch” may be the solution for millions of chronic pain sufferers.