Abstract: A composition of sterile cobra venom and a method for its oral administration to provide significant analgesic effects to a human and/or animal are disclosed. Such cobra venom compositions comprise a sterilized solution preserved by the addition of one or more suitable food-grade preservatives. The venom composition may be conveniently administered orally by means of a metered spray device.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer using an intra-patient dose escalation procedure to deliver dosages of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer using an intra-patient dose escalation procedure to deliver dosages of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating cancer and/or pain using an intra-patient dose escalation procedure to deliver dosages of crotoxin.

Abstract: A composition of sterile cobra venom and a method for its oral administration to provide significant analgesic effects to a human and/or animal are disclosed. Such cobra venom compositions comprise a sterilized solution preserved by the addition of one or more suitable food-grade preservatives. The venom composition may be conveniently administered orally by means of a metered spray device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating cancer and/or pain using an intra-patient dose escalation procedure to deliver dosages of crotoxin.

Abstract: The invention comprises a composition of matter and method of its use for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in humans. The composition is a modified anticholinergic alpha-neurotoxin. Alpha-neurotoxin solution, such as cobratoxin, is filter sterilized to remove bacteria. It is modified using H2O2. Any suitable preservative for parenteral administration can be employed such as methyl paraben, benzalkonium chloride or metacreosol. It is preferred that the composition is administered every other day or daily. The composition may be administered orally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously. Parenterally, either subcutaneous or intramuscular injection is preferred.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating cancer and/or pain using an intra-patient dose escalation procedure to deliver dosages of crotoxin.

Abstract: A composition of matter for an analgesia and its method of use is disclosed. The method of use is for the treatment of chronic pain, especially to the treatment of heretofore intractable pain as associated with advanced cancer. The pain associated with neurological conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, viral infections and lesions is also contemplated. The method includes administering to a host an alpha-neurotoxin that is characterized by its ability to blocking of the action of acetylcholine at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Abstract: Detoxified cobra venom and its constituent neurotoxins have been reported to have potent antiviral activity. Others have reported that snake venoms were generally immune stimulants. Recent research has revealed more specific details on the effects of detoxified venoms and isolated alpha-neurotoxins on cells of the immune system. Exposure of the immune cells to these detoxified proteins yields a strong response in the innate immune reaction that represents the immune systems initial response to infectious agents. Of particular relevance is the marked increase in the expression of genes associated with the production of gamma interferon, a potent antiviral agent and regulator of the immune response. The ability to induce this strong innate response has significant application to those with weakened immune systems where their ability to fight infection has been compromised.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treating arthritic conditions such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment methods include administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an isolated alpha-neurotoxin protein, or an effective variant or fragment thereof. The compositions are effective for decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the level of interleukin-10 in a subject with arthritis, and can reduce symptoms of the arthritic condition including edema, infiltration of inflammatory cells and pannus formation in affected joints. In some preferred embodiments of compositions in accordance with the invention, the effective therapeutic protein is an alpha-neurotoxin protein isolated from snake venom, or a recombinant or synthetic protein based on, or derived from, the amino acid of sequence of an alpha-neurotoxin protein isolated from snake venom.

Abstract: Autoimmune disorders are widespread diseases with many manifestations. Immune regulatory dysfunction is central to the progress of these diseases. The control this dysfunction can be achieved through intervention in the immune pathways. The balance of regulatory cytokines is central to a correctly functioning immune system and is a target for therapeutic intervention. Herein is described the induction of the regulatory cytokines, interferon gamma and interleuking 27, as a method to treat autoimmune diseases and a method by which such regulatory cytokines can be induced using a detoxified cobra neurotoxin composition.

Abstract: A composition and method for preventing HIV infection of mammalian cells. One aspect of the invention relates to an anti-immunodeficiency virus immunokine capable of binding to a cellular protein in a manner that prevents HIV infection of that cell. The compositions can include either an active bioactive polypeptide, such as native cobratoxin, and/or an inactivated bioactive polypeptide, such as cobratoxin in which one or more of the native disulfide bridges have been prevented from forming. The term “immunokine” is used to refer to an inactivated bioactive polypeptide, whether inactivated by chemical, genetic, and/or synthetic means as described herein, with the proviso that a corresponding active bioactive polypeptides can be included where applicable (e.g., for in vitro use).

Abstract: Detoxified cobra venom and its constituent neurotoxins have been reported to have potent antiviral activity. Others have reported that snake venoms were generally immune stimulants. Recent research has revealed more specific details on the effects of detoxified venoms and isolated alpha-neurotoxins on cells of the immune system. Exposure of the immune cells to these detoxified proteins yields a strong response in the innate immune reaction that represents the immune systems initial response to infectious agents. Of particular relevance is the marked increase in the expression of genes associated with the production of gamma interferon, a potent antiviral agent and regulator of the immune response. The ability to induce this strong innate response has significant application to those with weakened immune systems where their ability to fight infection has been compromised.

Abstract: A composition and method for preventing HIV infection of mammalian cells. One aspect of the invention relates to an anti-immunodeficiency virus immunokine capable of binding to a cellular protein in a manner that prevents HIV infection of that cell. The compositions can include either an active bioactive polypeptide, such as native cobratoxin, and/or an inactivated bioactive polypeptide, such as cobratoxin in which one or more of the native disulfide bridges have been prevented from forming. The term “immunokine” is used to refer to an inactivated bioactive polypeptide, whether inactivated by chemical, genetic, and/or synthetic means as described herein, with the proviso that a corresponding active bioactive polypeptides can be included where applicable (e.g., for in vitro use).