MUSEUM FOUNDATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC.
Sabado sa Museo Lecture Series
Venomous Cone Snails: Using Philippine Marine Biodiversity to Develop Drugs for Pain
By Dr. Baldomero M. Olivera
Distinguished Professor of Biology, University of Utah • Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Professor • Adjunct Professor, Marine Science Institute, UP • Adjunct Professor, Salk Institute,
La Jolla, California
Saturday, 15 February 2014, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Museum Foundation of the Philippines Hall
National Museum-National Art Gallery, P. Burgos Street, Manila
Free with National Museum Fee: P150 adults, P50 students
(Free admission to museum for MFPI members. Please text/call to ensure seats.)
Baldomero (“Toto”) Olivera was born and grew up in the Philippines; his early research contributions
include the discovery and biochemical characterization of E. coli DNA ligase, an important enzyme of DNA
replication and repair that has become a keystone of recombinant DNA technology. Toto Olivera initiated
the characterization of predatory cone snail venoms. A large number of peptide neurotoxins ("conotoxins")
are present in each venom, and their characterization led Olivera’s research group to molecular
neuroscience. Several peptides discovered in Olivera’s laboratory reached human clinical trials and one
(Prialt) has been approved for the treatment of intractable pain.
Olivera has been elected a member of the American Philosophical Society, the U.S. National Academy of
Science, and the Institute of Medicine. He was given the Outstanding Alumni Award of Caltech, the Redi
Award from the International Society for Toxinology and the Harvard Foundation Scientist of the Year 2007
Award. As an HHMI professor, Olivera’s science outreach program in the Philippines instills interest in
young students through scientific principles observed in organisms and objects that they see every day. He
has described over 30 new species of marine snails; one was chosen “100 of our planet’s most amazing new
species” in 2013. In addition, he has a long-term interest in Southeast Asian Ceramic Art found in the
Philippines.
He started collecting shells as a child and turned this hobby into a scientific career in Neuroscience and
Biomedicine. He will discuss how the amazing biodiversity of Philippine seas has made it possible for him to
discover a drug that alleviates pain, and contribute significantly to Neuroscience. He will also discuss how
the maritime culture of the Philippines has continuously helped him in his scientific career.
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