Cone snail–inspired fast-acting insulin for adult-onset diabetes
Discovery and design of novel insulin evologs from venomous marine cone snails
Researchers are designing new insulin medicines based on cone snail venom to help adults with diabetes get faster and more reliable blood-sugar control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291831 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is building on natural insulin-like molecules found in the venom of fish-hunting cone snails that act as single-unit (monomeric) insulins. They will use computer design tools, including AI, and laboratory chemistry to redesign and optimize these venom-derived insulin candidates. Promising molecules will be tested in lab systems and animal models of diabetes to measure how quickly they lower blood sugar and how long they act. If preclinical results are strong, the work could progress toward human testing at clinical sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diabetes who use insulin or struggle to achieve tight blood-sugar control would be the most likely candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: People whose diabetes is managed without insulin or whose condition does not involve insulin deficiency or resistance may not receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to faster‑acting insulin formulations that improve blood-sugar control and reduce delays from subcutaneous insulin depots.
How similar studies have performed: Related venom-derived insulin molecules have already produced rapid blood-sugar lowering in animal studies, but testing in people is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Safavi-Hemami, Helena — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Safavi-Hemami, Helena
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.