“Scientists are testing whether a first-of-its-kind drug inspired by spider venom can reverse the tissue damage caused by a heart attack. Starting next summer, the team plans to test the safety of the molecule in a clinical trial in Australia.

The molecule, a small protein called Hi1a, mimics one made by Australian funnel-web spiders. It works by preventing heart tissue from becoming too acidic during a heart attack.

The hope is that Hi1a will become the first drug to directly treat tissue injury caused by heart attacks, according to a statement from the team. Although it will initially be developed for use in hospitals, the aim is that one day it could also be administered by first responders.”

From Live Science.