Heparin may block Chrysaora quinquecirrha jellyfish venom

Researchers have identified that the anticoagulant drug heparin may be able to block the cytotoxicity of venom from the Chrysaora quinquecirrha jellyfish, also known as the sea nettle. This species, native to the Atlantic coast of the United States, causes millions of stings annually, resulting in intense pain and skin rashes.

A study published in ‘Science Advances’ by Christopher Denes of the University of Sydney and colleagues utilized genome-wide CRISPR screening to identify human molecular pathways affected by the venom. The research demonstrated that heparin can block venom-induced cytotoxicity in human cells and has been confirmed to reduce pain and sensitivity in mice.

Currently, the most common treatment for these stings involves applying a water and baking soda suspension to inhibit further venom release and manually removing remaining tentacles. This new finding offers a potential molecular-based approach to treating the complex toxins that affect skin, heart, nervous system, kidneys, liver, and blood.