IISc scientists create synthetic antibody to neutralise lethal snakebite toxin

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science have developed a synthetic human antibody that can neutralise a potent neurotoxin produced by the Elapidae family of highly toxic snakes, which includes the cobra, king cobra, krait and black mamba. Research has shown that less than 10% of a vial of antivenom actually contains antibodies that are targeted towards snake venom toxins.” The antibody developed by the team, according to an IISc press release, targets a conserved region found in the core of a major toxin called the three-finger toxin in the elapid venom. The team also tested their antibody against the whole venom of the monocled cobra from Eastern India and the black mamba from sub-Saharan Africa, and found similar results. Since our antibody neutralises venom even with delayed administration, it may suggest that it can displace toxins that are bound to receptors.” The researchers used human-derived cell lines to produce the antibody, bypassing the need to inject the venom first into animals like horses. Secondly, this would mean that animals need not be harmed in future to produce this life-saving antidote.” The same approach can be used to develop antibodies against other snake venoms too, which can then be combined into a single antivenom therapy, the release said.