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New Antivenom Cocktail Could Revolutionize Snakebite Treatment
Developing
In Short: A new antivenom cocktail developed by scientists from India and Denmark offers broad protection against cobra venom, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Researchers from India and Denmark have developed an antivenom cocktail that could be a game-changer in treating snakebites, according to a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. This innovative approach uses a cocktail of five tiny antibody fragments called nanobodies, which can bind to toxins in various cobra species.
The method allows for the extraction and mass-production of these antibodies using microbial cells, overcoming the limitations of current antivenom treatments. 'Antivenom treatment has virtually not changed for over 100 years. This is the only next-generation antivenom we have now, which could tackle India’s snakebite problem,' said Kartik Sunagar, an author of the study.
Unlike current antivenom, which is produced by repeatedly immunising animals like horses and is subject to batch-to-batch variability and side effects, the newly engineered antibodies can be manufactured using microbial systems. This not only reduces costs but also increases the efficiency of production, making it a more viable solution for widespread use.
This work provides a blueprint for how recombinant antivenoms can be tailored to different regions of the world by targeting the toxin families that drive disease in local snake species,' said Andreas Laustsen, another author of the study from the Technical University of Denmark. The method enables antibodies to be extracted and mass-produced by microbial cells, scientists say.
Current antivenom production is costly and outdated, relying on venom milking and animal immunisation, with low yields of the active antidote. The new antivenom cocktail addresses these issues, offering a more reliable and efficient treatment option for snakebites worldwide.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.
Sources
- The Independentlink