Spider venom could be the secret to creating effective long-term painkillers

You probably don't want a poisonous spider in your home, but spider venom could actually be the key to pain treatment.

A new study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that seven compounds found in spider venom blocked a protein that transmits pain sensation between nerves and the brain. "The hunt for a medicine based on just one of these compounds, which would open up a new class of potent painkillers, is now a step closer," the study authors said in a statement.

Researchers from the University of Queensland, Australia, found that spider venom could create an "off switch" that could help chronic pain sufferers, AFP reports. The scientists studied venom from 206 species of spider to find the seven compounds, which could help block channels that cause pain.

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According to the study authors, 15 percent of adults are affected by chronic pain, and treating chronic pain costs the U.S. $600 billion a year.