New hope for snakebite victims: Scientists reveal next-gen antivenom that could revolutionise treatment for 17 African snake species

Snakebite envenoming is one of the most neglected yet deadly health crises in the world, claiming up to 150,000 lives each year and leaving many survivors with permanent injuries. The World Health Organization recognises it as a major tropical disease that continues to affect communities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Current antivenoms, though life-saving, often fall short because they cannot neutralise all types of venom or work effectively across different snake species. In response to this ongoing challenge, scientists at the Technical University of Denmark have developed a new type of broad-spectrum antivenom that could transform how snakebites are treated worldwide, particularly in regions with limited medical access.











The menace of snake bites as a global health and safety crisis



Snakebite cases are most common in rural and tropical regions where people often live or work near snake habitats. Sub-Saharan Africa alone records more than 300,000 cases every year, leading to thousands of deaths and amputations. Yet many cases go unreported because victims rely on traditional healers or cannot reach hospitals in time. Despite its deadly impact, snakebite envenoming has long been overshadowed by other diseases when it comes to medical research and funding.



One major reason treatment remains so difficult is the variation in snake venom. Each species produces a unique combination of toxins that attack the nervous system, blood, or tissues. A single region may host several highly venomous snakes, such as cobras, mambas, and vipers, all with distinct venom profiles. This makes it nearly impossible for one antivenom to work universally. As a result, healthcare workers must try to identify the snake species before treatment, a step that can waste precious time.










How traditional antivenoms fall short in treating snake bites



Existing antivenoms are produced using a century-old method that involves injecting small amounts of venom into horses and then collecting antibodies from their blood. These antibodies are purified and made into a serum that can neutralise venom toxins. However, this process results in a mixture of antibodies, many of which do not target the key toxins responsible for severe symptoms. Because each batch depends on different animals, the quality and effectiveness of antivenoms can vary widely.



According to Professor Andreas Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel, who leads the research at DTU Bioengineering, these products can also trigger harmful immune reactions in patients. “The antivenom works, but it’s similar to receiving a blood transfusion from a horse,” he explains. “It can save lives but also cause severe side effects.” These limitations, combined with the need for multiple species-specific formulations, have driven the search for safer and more reliable alternatives.










The science behind nanobody-based treatment for snake bites



The new antivenom developed by Laustsen-Kiel’s team takes a completely different approach. Instead of relying on animals, the researchers used phage display technology, a molecular method that allows scientists to identify and copy highly effective antibody fragments in the laboratory. These fragments, known as nanobodies, are smaller, more stable versions of antibodies naturally found in camels and llamas.



Nanobodies have several advantages: they bind strongly to venom toxins, are easier to produce consistently, and carry a lower risk of causing allergic reactions. Because of their tiny size, they can also penetrate body tissues more efficiently, which may help limit local tissue damage after a bite. By combining eight different nanobodies into one formulation, the DTU team created a single antivenom capable of targeting venom from 18 medically significant African snake species, including cobras, mambas, and the rinkhals.



In controlled laboratory experiments, the new antivenom neutralised venom from 17 of these species and offered better protection against tissue damage than traditional products. Even when treatment was delayed, the nanobody-based serum reduced the spread of venom effects, suggesting it could be valuable in real-world emergencies where medical help is not immediately available.









The unconfident potential of the antivenom



Although early results are promising, the new antivenom has not yet been tested in humans. Laboratory results showed partial effectiveness against certain species, such as the black mamba and forest cobra, particularly when treatment began after venom exposure. The researchers are refining the formula to improve coverage and potency across more species.



Developing and manufacturing antivenom is also an economic challenge. The regions most affected by snakebites are often low-income areas with limited purchasing power. However, the DTU team estimates that their new antivenom could be produced at less than half the cost of current alternatives. Because nanobodies are highly stable, they can withstand warmer temperatures and longer storage times, which could make them easier to distribute in remote or tropical areas.



Professor Laustsen-Kiel emphasises that continued funding and partnerships are essential to bring the treatment to market. With sufficient support, clinical trials could begin within the next two years, potentially paving the way for global use within four. “If no better alternatives emerge, our antivenom could offer the broadest protection available,” he says. “It has the potential to fundamentally change how snakebites are treated worldwide.”








Antivenom for snake bites as a solution to a large-scale problem



The development of a broad-spectrum antivenom marks an important step toward addressing one of the most persistent gaps in global health. For many communities, snakebites are not just medical emergencies but economic and social tragedies that affect families and livelihoods. A reliable, affordable, and accessible treatment could save thousands of lives every year and help reduce long-term disability in survivors.



While more testing is needed, the DTU team’s breakthrough highlights what is possible when scientific innovation meets humanitarian purpose. By shifting away from traditional production and embracing modern biotechnological tools, researchers are working to make lifesaving treatments more consistent, cost-effective, and equitable, especially for those who have been neglected by global health systems for too long.

















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