NEW YORK: A groundbreaking study led by researchers has unveiled the potential for a “universal antivenom” capable of countering the venom effects of any venomous snake, The Conversation reported.
Published in Science Translational Medicine, the research highlights the discovery of a laboratory-made antibody, named 95Mat5, designed to neutralize neurotoxins found in the venom of diverse snake species worldwide.
Annually, venomous snakes claim up to 138,000 lives, leaving survivors, particularly children and farmers, with life-altering injuries and mental trauma. The current production method of antivenom, involving horses injected with snake venom, presents challenges such as species specificity, low potency, and the risk of severe side effects due to foreign antibodies from horses.
Testing of Antivenom to Combat Snakebites
The newly developed antibody, 95Mat5, has shown promise in preventing paralysis and death when tested against lethal doses of venom in mice. However, researchers acknowledge the need for additional antibodies to address different toxin types present in snake venoms, such as haemotoxins and cytotoxins.
The creation of a truly universal antivenom will require identifying additional antibodies capable of broadly neutralizing various toxin types, forming a comprehensive solution for snakebite victims.
Despite challenges such as the necessity for extensive human trials and overcoming storage and distribution obstacles, the research represents a hopeful step towards developing a more accessible and efficient antivenom for snakebite victims worldwide.
