The ToxiCode project addresses the growing need for innovative, effective, and sustainable therapeutics in response to increasing global health challenges and antimicrobial resistance. The project focuses on venom-derived peptides, a highly diverse but largely unexplored source of bioactive compounds with significant potential for the development of new medicines targeting chronic pain, cancer, infectious, and cardiovascular diseases.

ToxiCode aims to overcome the limitations of conventional drug discovery by developing sustainable and digitally supported approaches for the identification and characterization of therapeutic peptides. Particular emphasis is placed on the unique biodiversity of Croatia, especially marine cnidarians and endemic species, as a valuable yet underutilized source of novel bioactive molecules.

By integrating biodiversity research, advanced analytical methods, and digital technologies, the project will establish an efficient framework for the discovery and evaluation of venom-derived compounds while promoting sustainable use of natural resources. The project is expected to accelerate the translation of promising bioactive molecules into therapeutic candidates, strengthen research and innovation capacity, and contribute to the European green and digital transitions as well as the competitiveness of the bioeconomy.