A GROUNDBREAKING new study has taken a major step toward developing a universal antivenom, one that could save tens of thousands of lives each year and prevent life-altering injuries caused by snakebites.
Snakebite envenoming is a devastating yet often overlooked global health issue. Each year, up to 138,000 people die and around 400,000 more are left permanently disabled, mostly in tropical and rural regions where access to timely and accurate treatment is limited. Currently, antivenoms are made from antibodies produced in animals and are usually only effective against specific types of snakes. This makes treatment a race against time and accurate identification, something not always possible in a moment of crisis.
Now, scientists have demonstrated a potential breakthrough: a cocktail of human-derived antibodies and a small-molecule drug that protected mice from lethal doses of venom from 19 different snake species, including cobras, mambas, kraits, and taipans. The key lies in targeting three of the most dangerous toxin types common to many deadly snakes: long- and short-chain neurotoxins, and an enzyme known as PLA2.
This innovative approach involved isolating antibodies from a human who had built up unique resistance to snake venom after repeated exposure. These antibodies were able to neutralise toxins that typically paralyse and kill by disrupting nerve function. When combined with a drug that blocks PLA2, the resulting “three-part” cocktail protected against all tested species—covering many of the snakes considered highest medical risk by the World Health Organization.
What makes this study especially promising is its potential to bypass one of the biggest limitations of current treatments: the need to identify the snake. A universal antivenom could be given without delay, regardless of the species, and would avoid the risks of allergic reactions associated with traditional animal-derived products.
While more testing is needed before human use, this research lays a strong foundation for a next-generation, safer, and more broadly effective antivenom—potentially transforming snakebite treatment worldwide.
Reference
Glanville J et al. Snake venom protection by a cocktail of varespladib and broadly neutralizing human antibodies. Cell. 2025;DOI:10.1016/j.cell.2025.03.050.
