Synthetic Antibody for Snakebite, developed by IISc scientists, targets potent neurotoxins from the Elapidae family, including cobras and black mambas.
Key Highlights:
- This innovative approach, previously used in screening for antibodies against HIV and COVID-19, marks the first application for snakebite treatment.
- The development moves us towards a universal antibody solution that could protect against various snake venoms.
- The antibody specifically targets a conserved region within the major toxin known as the three-finger toxin (3FTx).
- Researchers identified an antibody that could bind to 99 out of 149 3FTx variants, showcasing its broad potential.
Challenges with Current Anti-venom:
- Traditional antivenom production involves using equines (horses, ponies, mules) which can lead to safety issues, as these animals are exposed to numerous bacteria and viruses.
- Studies have shown that less than 10% of a vial of conventional antivenom contains antibodies that directly target snake venom toxins, highlighting the inefficiency and potential safety concerns.
About Animal Model Testing:
- In tests on animal models, mice treated with the toxin-antibody mixture survived beyond 24 hours and appeared healthy, in contrast to those treated with the toxin alone, which died within four hours.
- The antibody proved effective against venoms from different snakes, including the black mamba.
- The synthetic antibody was found to be nearly 15 times more effective than traditional antivenoms and remained potent even when administered up to 20 minutes after venom injection, unlike conventional products which quickly lose effectiveness.
Ref: Source
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