New antivenom shows promise against world’s deadliest snakes

Scientists create groundbreaking antivenom from hyperimmune volunteer

Experimental treatment protects against multiple deadly snake species

Researchers have developed a promising new antivenom that could offer protection against bites from some of the world’s deadliest snakes. The treatment, created using antibodies extracted from a hyperimmune individual exposed to hundreds of snake venoms, could pave the way for a universal antidote.

Snakebites cause up to 137,000 deaths annually, with significantly more victims suffering amputations or permanent disabilities. Current antivenoms are highly specific, derived from the blood of animals like horses or sheep that have been exposed to individual species’ venom. These treatments must be matched to the snake responsible and can cause dangerous allergic reactions in patients due to their non-human origin.

Targeting the toxin blueprint shared by venomous snakes

The new antivenom comes from Centivax, a San Francisco-based biotechnology firm led by Jacob Glanville. Instead of tailoring antidotes to specific species, the team is aiming for a broader approach by targeting common components found in all venomous snakes.

“There are over 650 venomous snake species, but their venoms fall into just 10 general toxin classes,” Glanville explains. This biological convergence inspired the search for broadly neutralizing antibodies.

The team identified Tim Friede, a self-taught venom researcher who has voluntarily exposed himself to escalating doses of venom from over 700 snakes. His unique immune system offered a potential goldmine for the kind of antibodies Centivax was seeking.

From immune memory to experimental therapy

Using 40 millilitres of Friede’s blood, scientists created a massive library of antibodies. Through a rigorous selection process, they isolated two antibodies—LNX-D09 and SNX-B03—that showed broad neutralizing potential. These were combined with a toxin-inhibiting compound called varespladib to form a test treatment.

The combination was tested on mice exposed to venom from 19 of the most dangerous snake species, as identified by the World Health Organization. The results were encouraging: the treatment fully protected against 13 species, including several cobra variants, the tiger snake, and the highly venomous common taipan. It also provided partial protection against the remaining six species, such as the common death adder.

Real-world trials and the next frontier: vipers

The research team plans to test the antivenom on animals brought to veterinary clinics in Australia, where venomous snake encounters are common. Another focus will be expanding protection to include vipers, which are responsible for a large portion of global snakebite fatalities.

Tian Du, a researcher at the University of Sydney who is studying alternative snakebite treatments, called the findings “a hopeful step toward a universal antivenom.” However, he emphasized the importance of determining whether the treatment also prevents necrosis—tissue damage and death—often caused by snake venom.

Du’s own work has explored the use of heparin to reduce limb loss after cobra bites. He cautioned that survival alone may not be enough if long-term damage isn’t also addressed.

Toward a universal antivenom

If successful, the new treatment would mark a transformative shift in global snakebite care—especially in low-resource regions where victims often receive the wrong antivenom or none at all. A universal solution could simplify treatment protocols, reduce fatality rates, and minimize long-term complications for survivors.

With further trials underway, the prospect of an effective, broad-spectrum antivenom is moving closer to reality—a potentially life-saving breakthrough for hundreds of thousands worldwide.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for the latest updates on global health breakthroughs, biotech innovation, and the science behind life-saving treatments.