Deadly venom from funnel-web spider could contain life-saving heart attack treatment | ABC News

Venom from one of the world's deadliest spiders could one day save the lives of heart attack victims.

University of Queensland (UQ) researchers have learnt that the poison from the deadly funnel-web spider contains a molecule that can buy time when heart cells are dying.

While years of research is still needed, experts say the signs are very promising — and sorely needed.

With nearly 60,000 Australians suffering heart attacks every year, the research is seen as a potentially vital way to pivot the way patients are treated.

The discovery was made by a team led by Dr Nathan Palpant and biochemist Professor Glenn King from UQ and cardiologist Peter Macdonald from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in Sydney.

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