Scientists have developed a novel antivenom aimed at reducing snakebite deaths in India. This antivenom is constructed from five nanobodies and has been developed against the venom of cobras and king cobras. In tests conducted on mice, this antivenom successfully saved the lives of animals from the venom of several deadly snakes.
The uniqueness of this research is that the new antivenom was tested against venoms obtained from snakes across various regions of India. These venoms included those from monocled cobras, spectacled cobras, and king cobras. Venom samples were also utilized from locations such as the Western Ghats and Northeast India.
Globally, over one lakh people die annually from snake venom, with approximately half of these cases recorded in India. Snake venom can damage nerves, muscles, and tissues, making timely administration of appropriate antivenom extremely vital for patient survival.
The scientists created this antivenom by combining five specific nanobodies. Nanobodies are extremely small fragments of antibodies that can be engineered to target specific toxins present in the venom. This antivenom was designed against three major toxins found in the venom.
These toxins are alpha-neurotoxin, cytotoxin, and phospholipase A2. These venoms can harm the body's nerves and muscles, potentially leading to paralysis and tissue damage in parts of the body.
The scientists tested this antivenom on venom samples collected from different regions of India, including samples from the Western Ghats and Northeast India. In the tests, the five nanobody-containing antivenom saved mice from the venom of monocled cobras, spectacled cobras, and king cobras. This success gives scientists hope that such an antivenom can be developed in the future that is effective against the venoms of many snakes from various regions.
Currently, most antivenoms used in snakebite treatment are made using antibodies derived from horses. These antivenoms have been in use for a long time and save lives, although some patients may experience allergic reactions to them.
Another challenge is that the venoms of snakes living in different geographical areas show variations. Consequently, an antivenom from one location may not show the same effectiveness against the venom of a snake from another location.
This new antivenom is not yet ready for human treatment; so far, its tests have only been conducted on mice. Before its use in humans, it will require several additional tests to check its safety and efficacy, after which human clinical trials will commence.
If upcoming tests are successful, this five-nanobody antivenom could help improve the quality of snakebite treatment in India, especially in regions where significant differences in snake venoms are found.
