Researchers have developed a new broad-spectrum antivenom capable of treating bites from 17 species of venomous snakes. This innovative treatment, highlighted in a recent study published in the journal Nature, aims to address the urgent need for effective snakebite management, particularly in areas severely affected by snakebites.
Targeting Deadly Elapids
The antivenom specifically targets snakes within the Elapidae family, which includes some of the world’s deadliest species, such as cobras, mambas, and rinkhals. According to Anne Ljungars, a biological engineer at the Technical University of Denmark and co-author of the study, there are approximately 360 species of elapids globally. Their venoms contain potent neurotoxins that can induce rapid paralysis and respiratory failure.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, where over 300,000 snake bites occur each year, these species contribute to about 7,000 deaths annually. Traditional antivenoms, while available, often depend on the victim accurately identifying the snake responsible for the bite—a challenging task in the chaos that follows such incidents. The limitations of existing antivenom technologies, which have remained largely unchanged since the 1800s, further complicate treatment efforts.
Advancements in Antivenom Technology
Current antivenoms are produced by immunizing horses with snake venom and extracting antibodies from their blood. This method results in a large and undefined mixture of antibodies, leading to products with significant variation and potentially serious side effects. In contrast, the new antivenom utilizes alpacas and llamas, animals with unique immune systems that produce a type of antibody known as heavy-chain-only antibodies. These antibodies can be engineered into smaller, more stable nanobodies, which are effective against multiple toxins.
According to the research, these nanobodies can bind strongly to various toxins, allowing the antivenom to neutralize venom from multiple snake species. The new formulation has shown promising results in preventing tissue death at injection sites, a common complication with existing products that can lead to limb amputations.
Another significant advantage of the new antivenom is its ability to be freeze-dried for easier transport and storage. This characteristic enables deployment in remote locations without the need for refrigeration, enhancing accessibility in regions most affected by snakebites.
While the antivenom has demonstrated effectiveness in mice, it remains untested on humans. Researchers acknowledge that the antivenom’s effectiveness diminishes when administered after venom exposure, and some species’ venoms are only partially neutralized. Nonetheless, Nicholas Casewell, director of the Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and a co-author of the study, emphasized the potential of these nanobodies as a new therapeutic approach for snakebite treatment.
As development continues, the hope is that this innovative antivenom can be made publicly available, potentially saving thousands of lives each year and transforming snakebite management globally.
