SCIENCE whizzes are looking to lizards for future blood clot treatments.
University of Queensland researchers are studying various lizard venoms and their effects on blood clotting diseases that lead to millions of cases of stroke, heart attack and deep-vein thrombosis annually.
Biological science expert Bryan Fry said the research was relatively new.
"We now know that far more lizards are venomous than previously thought," Dr Fry said.
"By investigating the actions of lizard venoms, we can potentially use them to disrupt life-threatening blood clots and turn these compounds into life saving drugs."
Dr Fry and his team looked at 16 species of monitor lizards, including the Komodo dragon, and compared their venom to four other lizards including the Gila monster.
Multiple novel compounds were discovered, with some potentially able to be used in drug design - particularly in stroke treatments.
It showed the venom of many monitor lizards had a selective action on different chains of the blood clotting protein fibrinogen.
"It is this specialised targeting that has made similar snake venom enzymes so successful in treating blood diseases," Dr Fry said.
Research into animal venom as a therapy isn't a new idea.
Earlier this year, University of Queensland researchers found a venom-derived compound that targets a particular nerve protein that signals pain.
The toxins in the venom had evolved to very specifically target sensory neurons, and the researchers were able to use that natural framework to "switch off" chronic pain without blocking other sensations.
Dr Fry's latest research was published in the journal Toxins.