Scientists at the University of Northern Colorado believe snake venom can be the key to finding the cure for cancer.  Dr. Stephen Mackessy, professor at UNC’s School of Biology, has been analyzing the compound and proteins from the venom in different snakes, and is finding it can attack human cancer cells, reported CBS4. 

Mackessy said it was logical to look for a possible cure for cancer in compounds that can kill animals and "wreak havoc with living systems."  

The concept has been met with skepticism but Mackessy pointed out that snake venom has been used for decades to treat various ailments, just not cancer. That is where his lab comes in.  

"When you think about looking for a therapeutic drug, you don’t turn first to something like a venom or toxin as a source," Mackessy said. However, research is showing positive results.   

Ph.D candidate Tanner Harvey, who has been specifically researching viper venoms, found that at low doses it can kill both breast cancer and colon cancer.  

A  large hurdle is that the venom that can attack cancer cells can also be fatal to patients.   

Mackessy's team has been working to find a way past this by combining compounds with other remedies. Harvey said that finding the correct doses and mixes was "just like panning for gold." 

The team is hoping to eventually have the study, which is in preliminary phases, ready for clinical studies. For now though, they continue to analyze venom compounds in an effort to safely battle cancer. Mackessy is confident it can be done. 

"You never really know what is going to come from a natural source, even something like a rattlesnake," he said. "It may be, in fact, that these dangerous animals house in their venom something that one day may be lifesaving for you, or your family members."

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