A cone-snail venom peptide that blocks N-type calcium channels for pain.
Also known as: Prialt
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Ziconotide is the synthetic form of an ω-conotoxin, a 25-amino-acid peptide from cone snail venom that selectively blocks N-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Delivered directly into cerebrospinal fluid by an intrathecal pump, it is an approved therapeutic for severe, refractory chronic pain. Content here is educational only.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic ω-conotoxin from cone snail venom
Primary research or clinical context: Approved for severe chronic pain via intrathecal infusion
Venom to medicine
Cone snails paralyze prey with peptide toxins, and ω-conotoxin's precise blockade of N-type calcium channels interrupts pain-signal transmission in the spinal cord. Ziconotide is a landmark example of a marine venom peptide developed into an approved drug.
Intrathecal delivery
Because the peptide does not cross the blood-brain barrier, it must be infused into the cerebrospinal fluid through an implanted pump. This delivery constraint is often used to teach how a peptide's physical properties dictate its route of administration.
FAQ about Ziconotide
What is Ziconotide?+
Ziconotide is the synthetic form of an ω-conotoxin, a 25-amino-acid peptide from cone snail venom that selectively blocks N-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Delivered directly into cerebrospinal fluid by an intrathecal pump, it is an approved therapeutic for severe, refractory chronic pain. Content here is educational only.
Is Ziconotide an approved medicine?+
Ziconotide: Approved for severe chronic pain via intrathecal infusion. Always follow licensed medical guidance for approved products.
What is the typical length of Ziconotide?+
Ziconotide is commonly described as approximately 25 amino acids (Conotoxin analgesic).