Danish Scientists Develop Broad-Spectrum Snakebite Antivenom

Science innovation Danish scientists are developing new nanobodies-based antivenom in Africa to combat deadly snakebites.

A scientific breakthrough could be used soon to save thousands of people who succumb to snakebites. Scientists of DTU Bioengineering in Denmark have found new universal antivenom by applying advanced science technology through nanobodies. Contrary to the traditional antivenom, which is composed of horse antibodies, this scientifically developed technique employs engineered fragments of antibodies that could have the ability to combat toxins of 17 snake species in Africa.

The research, which was published in Nature, is a result of a decade of scientific work by the professor Andreas Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel. The innovation of the team might have a reduction in the costs of production, less risk of immune and better accessibility in the areas where snakebites are prevalent. Science experts anticipate that this breakthrough will revolutionize the treatment of one of the world's most neglected tropical diseases.

Although the trials on humans have not been conducted yet, the discovery has created a buzz in the scientific community throughout the globe about its high potential to save lives and in the medical response in Africa as a whole.