New Antivenom Offers Broad Protection Against World's Deadliest Snakes
By Science Correspondent
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking antivenom that protects against bites from 19 of the world’s most dangerous snakes, including black mambas, king cobras, and taipans.
Described on May 2 in the Cell Press journal Cell, the new antivenom combines protective human-derived antibodies with a small molecule inhibitor, marking a significant step toward the development of a universal antiserum.
Unlike traditional antivenoms, which are made using horse or sheep antibodies tailored to a single snake species, this new formula offers broad protection across multiple species, potentially making treatment safer and more widely effective.
The antivenom was created using antibodies from Tim Friede, a man who built immunity over 18 years by exposing himself to venom from multiple snake species.
Researchers identified two key antibodies from his blood and combined them with a known toxin blocker, varespladib.
Described in the journal Cell, this marks a major step toward a universal antivenom.
The team now plans field trials starting with dogs in Australia and hopes to eventually develop companion treatments for viper bites.
If successful, the new antivenom could save thousands of lives each year, especially in rural areas where snakebites are common and treatment options are limited.
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