ESTADO ATUAL DOS FÁRMACOS DERIVADOS DE VENENOS DE SERPENTES

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds derived from snake venoms, based on a systematized literature review conducted in the main scientific databases. Snake venoms are composed of a wide variety of biologically active toxins that have evolved to act on specific molecular targets, which gives them high pharmacological value. The review identified key classes of compounds such as phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂), metalloproteinases, disintegrins, L-amino acid oxidases (LAAO), bradykinin-potentiating peptides, and neurotoxins, each with different mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications. Promising therapeutic applications were identified in oncology, neurology, cardiology, endocrinology, immunology, infectious diseases, psychiatry, and chronic pain. Additionally, the research highlighted the development of already approved and clinically used drugs, such as captopril, tirofiban, batroxobin, and exenatide. These medications represent concrete examples of the translational bridge between toxinological knowledge and pharmaceutical innovation. Finally, the study assessed the potential for exploring snake biodiversity, emphasizing that many species remain pharmacologically uninvestigated. It is concluded that snake venoms represent a rich source of bioactive compounds with broad therapeutic applicability. The rational development of these agents depends on multidisciplinary efforts involving molecular biology, pharmacology, biotechnology, and translational science. Investment in both basic and applied research may result in the expansion of the available therapeutic arsenal, benefiting medical fields that still lack effective pharmacological solutions.