Researchers in Brazil have noted that a molecule present in the venom of a particular type of snake could inhibit the reproduction of the coronavirus in monkey cells. This could likely be the first step toward a drug to fight the virus. 

Researchers noted that the jararacussu pit viper produces this molecule which could potentially inhibit the ability of the virus to multiply in monkey cells by 75%. The molecule is a peptide which can connect to an enzyme of the coronavirus known as PLPro, which is key to virus reproduction, without affecting other cells. The peptide can be synthesized in the laboratory, therefore, the capture or raising of the snakes is not required. The study is published in the journal Molecules… (Reuters, August 31, 2021)