![]() In 2005, the drug was approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes – sustaining glucose levels and progressive weight loss – and is also being investigated for the treatment of obesity, even in children, because it helps suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness. The lizard protein is about 50% identical to a hormone released from the human digestive tract that helps to regulate insulin and glucagon and remains effective much longer that the human counterpart. The synthetic version of the hormone, Exenatide, mimics our bodies’ natural hormones that stimulate insulin release when blood sugar rises. ![]() More than a dozen toxic peptides have been isolated from the Gila monster’s venomous saliva, among which exendin-4. Though their venom isn’t fatal, it certainly isn’t comfortable, and perhaps their tenacity is partially to blame for their bad rep. However, with their venomous bite, they can hold on like their lives depend upon it. But while they’re not the most cuddly lizards around, they can’t really spit venom nor does their breath smell terrible. ![]() According to a Native American legend, Gila monsters can spit venom and kill a man with just their breath. The Gila monster ( Heloderma suspectum) is a lizard found throughout the south western US and into Mexico, and as their name states, they have a fierce reputation.
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