Final answer:
Animal venoms, particularly snake venom, are of great interest in creating new medications for conditions like hypertension and diabetes. The extraction of venom is a delicate process that contributes to medical advances, with several drugs already FDA-approved and many more in development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Animal venoms, such as those from snakes, lizards, and scorpions, have garnered significant attention in the medical research community. These venoms are a treasure trove of bioactive compounds that can be used to create medications. For instance, it takes approximately 69,000 venom extractions from a snake to obtain sufficient quantities for research and drug development. The process of extracting venom must be done with care, often by a skilled snake wrangler who can safely handle the animal and collect its venom without harm to the snake or themselves. Since 2007, the FDA has approved several drugs derived from animal toxins, with indications including hypertension, chronic pain, and diabetes. These advancements represent a significant innovation in treating conditions that affect millions worldwide. Additionally, many more potential drugs are undergoing clinical trials or being used in other countries, showing the immense medicinal potential that venomous animals may offer.