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The Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science (CIPPS) has been launched to find cures for various heart-related ailments. Moreover, the discoveries and research centre for these ailments is headquartered at the University of Queensland. Besides, the main purpose of this research practice is to learn about the properties of different types of proteins and peptides that are present in the venom of spiders. According to Prof David Craik from Institute for Molecular Biosciences, “We are melding chemistry and biology into innovative new discovery approaches that would be impossible for a single research laboratory”

Senator Anthony Hon Chisholm launched the centre on Monday. Moreover, the CIPPS centre was founded with the funding of $35 million from commonwealth partners and an additional $54 million from several international partners. There are several potential uses that can be harnessed from spider venom. For instance, K’gari funnel-web spider’s venom is known to prevent heart-related ailments. Likewise, bioactive compounds are present in the venom, using which different seemingly incurable diseases can be treated.

In the first place, CIPPS is a consortium of several prominent institutes in Australia, such as the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, Australian National University. In addition, they are also collaborating with prominent experts from Pharmaceutical, Agriculture Instrumentation and education organisations. The organisation is to work together with different universities and institutes to find revolutionary breakthroughs that could enhance the quality of life and improve the working conditions of several individuals.