Scientists have developed a universal serum capable of neutralizing the venom of the planet's most toxic snakes, including the king cobra, black mamba and Australian taipan. The new drug is the first to be made on the basis of human antibodies obtained from a person voluntarily exposed to snake venom.
Previously existing antidotes were made from animal antibodies, which had a number of disadvantages: low effectiveness against certain species of snakes and the risk of allergic reactions. The new drug works against 19 species of snakes, which are among the most dangerous in the world.
A special role in the research was played by the American naturalist Tim Fried, who devoted his life to the study and rescue from snake bites. He deliberately received doses of venom from the most venomous species, developing resistance. Antibodies extracted from his blood formed the basis of a new serum.
Tests on laboratory rodents have shown excellent results: mice are fully protected against the venom of 13 snake species, and partial protection is provided for the remaining six. A subsequent phase of testing is planned in Australia on dogs, which are often exposed to venomous snake bites.
In the future, scientists hope to move on to human clinical trials, confirming the safety and efficacy of the drug.
Previously, scientists have used human blood to create an antidote for snake venom.