A family of molecules found in the venom of species of marine cone shell snails (Conus sp) that can act as an analgesic and alleviate pain.One particular group, the omega-conopeptides, blocks channels on nerve cells that transport calcium ions and thereby interfering with the production of neurotransmittors. Synthetic copies of conopeptides from the magician's cone shell, Conus magus, are used to make the drug Prialt, generally known as ziconotide.