1960s Discovery of Brazilian Pit Viper Venom Led to Blood Pressure Drug
In the 1960s, scientist Sergio Ferreira discovered a peptide in the venom of the Brazilian pit viper, Bothrops jararaca, that helps regulate blood pressure. This finding was crucial in developing captopril, the first ACE inhibitor approved in 1981, which revolutionized treatment for hypertension and heart diseases worldwide.
TOI Science·



