Breakthrough Serum Developed for Universal Snakebite Antidote

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A team of U.S. scientists has created a groundbreaking serum that could potentially neutralize venom from 19 of the world's most toxic snake species, including the black mamba and king cobra. This innovation stems from the antibodies of Tim Friede, a man from Wisconsin who has survived over 200 snake bites in an effort to self-immunize. According to a study published in the journal Cell, the experimental antivenom has shown promising results in laboratory mice, offering full protection against several venom types.

The research, led by Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, involved combining Friede's antibodies with a small-molecule inhibitor, varespladib, to enhance effectiveness. Currently, traditional snakebite treatments, derived from immunized animals, pose risks of complications, especially in rural areas where snakebites are prevalent. This new cocktail aims to minimize these risks and could be administered without precise snake identification. Experts project that it may take over a decade for such a treatment to be available in regions like Latin America, where snakebites are common. Further testing is planned, including trials on dogs in Australia, before moving to human applications.

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