Türkiye Grants Permission to Breed Scorpions for Medical and Cosmetic Use
Türkiye has officially granted licenses to 86 companies allowing the breeding of scorpions for the extraction of their venom for medical and cosmetic applications. The initiative comes with strict regulations and safety protocols.
The project places particular focus on native species such as Androctonus turkiyensis, whose venom is considered valuable for the development of a wide range of antivenom and therapeutic drugs, according to Kazinform.
Experts note that medicines derived from this venom are expected to be in demand both domestically and on international markets.
Key regions designated for specialized breeding facilities include Şanlıurfa, Konya, Elazığ, and others. The project is overseen by Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which ensures full compliance with environmental and legal standards in handling these potentially dangerous creatures.
The ministry emphasizes that such innovations will help advance the country’s biopharmaceutical sector through the production of high-quality natural-based medications.
However, unauthorized capture of scorpions from the wild remains strictly prohibited in Türkiye, with violators facing fines of up to 557,000 Turkish liras (approximately $15,000).
This initiative not only aims to boost the biopharmaceutical industry but also includes measures for the protection and conservation of rare and venomous scorpion species in their natural habitats.
