Compound in sharks may help fight STD

Researchers are constantly searching for more effective treatments for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and sometimes find them in unexpected places. For example, scientists have recently discovered that a compound derived from sharks has the potential to fight a number of viruses, such as hepatitis B.

The study reported on the discovery of squalamine, which is naturally found in the livers of sharks. The compound has showed promise for treating disease in humans, such as hepatitis B.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, this STD can sometimes cause liver damage so severe that the entire organ needs to be replaced. This is a complicated process that requires years of waiting for a transplant.

Sharks have been known to have a unique natural ability to fight off a number of diseases. Animal rights activists have expressed concern that the more things researchers discover, demand to use sharks for medical testing will also rise.

While this new potential treatment method is promising, researchers say they are still far away from being able to apply it in humans.

"It is clearly a promising drug, and is unlike, in its mechanism of action and chemical structure, any other substance currently being investigated to treat viral infections," said study authors.