Therapeutic conotoxins: a US patent literature survey

Abstract

Introduction: Conotoxins are a large family of bioactive peptides derived from cone snail venom. They target specific classes of ion channels and other membrane proteins and may have therapeutic value, primarily in the management of pain.

Areas covered: The authors surveyed the US patent literature covering conotoxins, and their potential therapeutic applications. They describe the various subclasses of conotoxins that are the subject of current patent applications and their therapeutic indications. Limitations that may preclude broader application of these molecules are discussed and strategies for overcoming these limitations are presented.

Expert opinion: Despite more than 25 years of intense global conotoxin research, only one molecule has successfully reached the market. Several other conotoxin-derived candidates failed in clinical trials, indicating that ‘from the bench into the clinic’ translation has been more difficult than originally anticipated. Nevertheless, we are optimistic that the potent activities of these molecules and the potential for improving their biopharmaceutical properties may lead to next-generation drug candidates with favorable pharmacological properties.

Keywords:

• cone snail venom
• conopeptide
• drugs
• ion channel
• pain
• peptide

Declaration of interests

The authors’ research on conotoxins is funded by the Australian Research Council (DP150103990) and the National Health & Medical Research Council – Australia (APP1026501 and APP1076136). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Notes

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