Scientists in Brazil are conducting promising tests to find out whether the venom of an Amazonian scorpion could be used as a treatment against breast cancer tumors.

The research is being carried out by researchers at the Preto School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCFRP-USP) of the University of São Paulo, who have been cloning proteins from the venom of poisonous snakes and scorpions for years, with the aim of converting them into new and more effective medicines.

According to recent findings, the venom of the Brotheas amazonicus scorpion exhibits an effect similar to one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs, attacking breast cancer cells with comparable efficiency. The first results come from a collaboration between the National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA) and the State University of the Amazon (UEA).

"We identified a molecule in this scorpion species that resembles those found in the venom of other scorpions and that acts against breast cancer cells," said Eliane Candiani Arantes, professor at FCFRP-USP and coordinator of the project.

Her team identified two neurotoxins with immunosuppressive properties in scorpion venom, while in collaboration with Amazon research centers they discovered a new peptide, called BamazScplp1, which appears to have anticancer properties.

Laboratory tests showed that this peptide acts on breast cancer cells in a similar way to paclitaxel, a widely used chemotherapy drug. Both substances primarily cause necrosis, a form of cell death that leads to the destruction of tumor cells.

Scientists emphasize that the studies are still in the early stages, but the results pave the way for the development of new anti-cancer therapies, utilizing the natural resources of the Amazon's biodiversity.