Man Bitten by 200 Snakes Helps Scientists Create a Super Antivenom

There really is a purpose for everyone out there. Scientists seem to have developed the most broadly effective snake antivenom seen yet—an antivenom partly derived from the antibodies of a man bitten by snakes hundreds of times. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health and the company Centivax detailed their work in a study published last week in Cell. In tests with mice, their cocktail protected the animals from 19 of the most venomous snakes in the world. This research could eventually lead to a truly universal antivenom, the scientists say. Snake antivenom is currently produced by harvesting the antibodies of animals (usually horses) that generate a strong immune response to toxins. While effective, today’s antivenoms have their limitations. Antibodies to one specific snake or toxin often don’t protect against others, for instance. Mixing different antibodies to create a cocktail can increase the effectiveness of treatment, but it also raises the risk of serum sickness—a ... Read full article.