Platypus and echidna venom could inspire new diabetes medications

By Bridie Smith
Updated January 17 2017 - 10:08am, first published November 30 2016 - 6:36pm
A hormone found in platypus venom could lead to new treatments for type 2 diabetes in humans.  Photo: Adelaide University
A hormone found in platypus venom could lead to new treatments for type 2 diabetes in humans. Photo: Adelaide University
The same hormone produced in the gut of the echidna to regulate blood glucose is also found in their venom. Photo: Adelaide University
The same hormone produced in the gut of the echidna to regulate blood glucose is also found in their venom. Photo: Adelaide University
A wild platypus at Tidbinbilla.


 Photo: John Bundock
A wild platypus at Tidbinbilla. Photo: John Bundock

Venom from two iconic Australian species could be behind the development of new treatments for diabetes, which affects around 1.7 million Australians.