Researchers genetically engineer snake antivenom

An international team of researchers, led by the Technical University of Denmark, has used genetic engineering to create so-called ‘product-ready’ antivenom for snakes such as cobras and mambas. Because the antibodies are produced recombinantly rather than harvested from immunised animals, their future manufacturing will not depend on the use of animals — which should enable scalable, ethical and fully defined production with consistent quality and specificity.

Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) causing over 100,000 deaths annually and 300,000 disabilities each year, mostly in poor rural communities. Snakebite is one of the 21 NTDs recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO), yet snakebite kills more people than the other 20 NTDs combined.

Current animal-derived antivenoms are lifesaving but flawed, showing batch variability, side effects and limited snake species coverage. Creating an antivenom that works for all bites is extremely challenging because each snake species produces a different mix of toxins that attack nerves, blood or tissues.

The researchers have now used genetic engineering to develop a recombinant nanobody-based antivenom, combining eight alpaca- and llama-derived nanobodies that neutralise seven toxin families across cobras, mambas and rinkhals snakes — all African elapids. As published in the journal Nature, the new therapy was found to outperform traditional serum antivenoms, preventing death and tissue damage in animal models while offering greater safety and consistency.

The work thus proves that a small, defined antibody mixture can replace complex animal-plasma products, and could lead to more inexpensive antivenoms in future. The team’s next steps will include optimising large-scale production and clinical translation to make recombinant antivenoms accessible in the field.

“This research highlights the potential of biotechnology to develop antivenoms capable of neutralising toxins from multiple snake species,” said study co-author Dr Stefanie Menzies, from Lancaster University. “While clinical validation will be crucial, these findings represent an important step towards improving the treatment of snakebite.”

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