Venomdoc: Woodward Medallist for Science and Technology

Venom specialist Dr Bryan Fry won in 2009 the University’s Woodward Medal for Science and Technology for his multi-disciplinary research which examines the molecular evolution of protein toxins in venomous animals – not just snakes and lizards, but jellyfish, platypi, Komodo dragons and in 2010, Mexican vampire bats.

The Woodward Medals are annual awards which recognise outstanding works by University academics who made a significant contribution in their field.

Dr Fry’s work certainly fits the criteria. His research is of great benefit to society.

“Venoms present a really rich opportunity for drug design and development because they’re some of the most bioactive substances on earth and are exquisitely targeted,” he explains.

Already venoms have been used to develop important medications to treat a range of conditions. The blood pressure medicine group known as ACE inhibitors were developed out of a modified snake toxin and Byetta, used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes, originated from the toxin of the Gila Monster lizard.

Dr Fry and colleagues have also patented a compound from the world’s most venomous snake, the Inland Taipan, for the treatment of congestive heart failure.

Venom research might be good for our health, but it’s rather dangerous to Dr Fry’s: He catches all his own animals, tracking often rare animals in their natural habitats to catch them and study their unique venoms.

But the dangers inherent to his chosen field, the long hours of laboratory work, the sometimes fruitless search for rare animals, the frequent travel, often to remote places for months at a time, are all fuelled by his burning passion for venomous animals.

“I just like snakes,” Dr Fry explains when asked why of all career possibilities that Science presents, he chose to specialise in venom.

 “This was my childhood passion. Since I was a little kid, I’ve thought that snakes and other creepy things ruled. I never wanted to be a fireman, I never wanted to be an astronaut, I just wanted to find a way to play with snakes for a living. I find them fascinating, intriguing, amazing animals.”

The most successful scientists, Dr Fry believes, are the ones who are obsessed with their chosen field, so it sustains them through the highs and lows that are part of being a scientist.

“It’s how evolution works, small advantages over long time periods produce the best results,” he says.

He certainly proves his own theory. In addition to his Woodward Medal, Dr Fry’s work is published internationally in many prestigious journals including Nature, is regularly invited to speak at Toxicology conferences around the world, is the Associate Editor of the Journal of Molecular Evolution and last year, he disproved the long-standing theory that Komodo Dragons’ mouths are full of bacteria that kill prey, instead showing that they in fact have venom glands.

Such accomplishments he explains, are brought about through his travels and his own collection of venoms for research.

“The only way you’re going to find something new and interesting is from new and interesting venom – and the only way to find new and interesting venoms is to get out there and look for them, explore the evolutionary hotspots.

“It’s amazing what you can find if you look, if you ask questions – I want to learn more about them to satisfy my academic curiosity.”

Dr Fry is quick to quash any budding idea that catching animals in the field is some sort of Steve Irwin-esque “Crikey” experience. On the contrary, remaining calm is the first rule for any scenario, regardless of the kind of animal that he’s attempting to catch. That way, the animal stays calm and it’s a much safer environment.

Finding and catching animals is also about understanding patterns of behaviour, knowing where certain animals will be at a certain time of year.

 Despite this high level of expertise, Dr Fry’s expeditions do not always result in suitable animals being caught, often because of the rarity of the animal.

It took him six years of fruitless trips to finally find a rare Stokes Sea Snake at the Great Barrier Reef.

It’s after this rigorous field work that the science really begins. In one snake venom there might be 100 different compounds that hit 20 different places in the body, with some of them working together to create synergistic effects. Targets of this venom action include virtually all major physiological pathways and tissue types accessible by the bloodstream.

So if it’s a part of the body that can be reached via the blood, Dr Fry says, there’s a venom that can affect it.

So what’s next for the Venomdoc?

Mexican vampire bats will consume much of his 2010. A stroke medication was developed from the powerful anti-coagulant agent in their venom, but scientists have barely scratched the surface of the potential for this venom type.

Another project will be further exploration of the venoms found in Antarctic animals, exploring the way venomous animals such as the octopus have evolved to cope with the cold by developing what is effectively anti-freeze venom.

“The biodoversity and the amount of life in the Antarctic is mind-blowing,” Dr Fry says, and this work will necessitate further travel to the Antarctic to explore the diverse ways in which this almost untapped resource can benefit humanity.

“And, it’s a grand excuse to get out there and work with the animals that I love,” he adds, smiling.

“If I had a million dollars I’d still be doing exactly the same thing.”

To read about the Woodward Medallist for Humanities and Social Sciences Dr Michelle Foster and her work on international refugee law, see the next edition of Voice, in The Age on 8 March 2010.