Scientists have developed a groundbreaking antivenom that could protect against bites from 17 venomous snake species, offering new hope in the fight against one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases.
“We have developed an antivenom that does not require us to constantly extract antibodies from animals,” said Andreas Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel, lead author of the study from the Technical University of Denmark. “This means we can produce it in large quantities without compromising on quality.”
Unlike current serums made from animal blood, this innovation utilises lab-engineered nanobodies, tiny, stable antibody fragments that precisely neutralise venom toxins. In mice trials, the antivenom neutralised venoms from 17 of 18 deadly snakes, including cobras and mambas, and reduced tissue damage even when given after a bite. With up to 138,000 people dying from snakebites each year, researchers say human trials could begin within two years — marking a significant step toward affordable, universal snakebite treatment.
