Cell Unveils Snake Venom Antidote: Snake Handler Bitten 200 Times Over 18 Years Provides Super-Immune Serum

Snakebite is a major global public health challenge, particularly in rural areas of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, causing approximately 100,000 deaths annually and leaving hundreds of thousands with permanent disabilities, such as limb deformities or amputations. The World Health Organization classifies snakebite as a neglected tropical disease, underscoring the urgent need for advanced treatment solutions. abinScience’s neutralizing antibodies offer a revolutionary approach to addressing this global crisis.

Snake venom is among the most complex and deadly substances in nature. In many elapid snakes, Three-Finger Toxins (3FTx) are the primary toxic components, exerting a lethal impact on the nervous system. Their core structure consists of three β-strand "finger-like" domains, resembling three fingers. Long-chain Neurotoxins (LNXs) and Short-chain Neurotoxins (SNXs) are the Lill. They bind with high affinity to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the nervous system, blocking nerve signal transmission and causing muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, and death.

In 2025, a groundbreaking study by Glanville, J. et al., published in Cell, introduced new hope for broad-spectrum antivenom development. Researchers isolated two potent neutralizing antibodies, LNX-D09 and SNX-B03, from the blood of a unique hyper-immunized snake farmer exposed to various snake venoms for 18 years. Screened using phage display technology, these antibodies exhibit exceptional affinity maturation. LNX-D09 targets long-chain neurotoxins with superior binding capacity (<74 pM), while SNX-B03 neutralizes short-chain neurotoxins across multiple snake venoms. Combined with varespladib, this therapy protected against 19 lethal snake venoms in mouse models.

The study revealed that many snake venom neurotoxins bind to human nerve receptors in a highly conserved manner, enabling the development of a "universal" antivenom. Unlike traditional antivenom serums, which are species-specific and prone to causing allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock, the combination of three antibodies offers comprehensive protection against a wide range of toxins, making it ideal for regions with diverse venomous snakes, such as Africa and Asia.

Building on these findings, abinScience has launched two innovative snake venom neutralizing antibody products to address the global antivenom shortage. These antibodies, derived from human antibody libraries, minimize allergic reaction risks and provide broad-spectrum protection by targeting conserved toxin epitopes, offering a transformative solution for snakebite treatment worldwide.

abinScience Product Recommendations

As research into snake venom neutralizing antibodies and treatment strategies advances, the demand for high-quality antibody products continues to grow. abinScience is dedicated to developing and producing cutting-edge biological reagents, providing researchers and healthcare professionals with innovative tools and solutions. Below is a list of abinScience’s snake venom neutralizing antibody products, designed to support research and treatment in regions heavily impacted by snakebites.

Contact Us to Explore Our Snake Venom Solutions

Traditional antivenom serums are limited by species specificity and side effects, such as anaphylactic shock, but LNX-D09 and SNX-B03 are poised to overcome these challenges with their exceptional broad-spectrum neutralization capabilities. Validated in animal models, these antibodies are undergoing further clinical trials to unlock their full potential. Their commercialization offers immense promise, particularly in regions with diverse venomous snakes. abinScience is collaborating with global healthcare institutions to accelerate clinical applications, paving the way for a revolutionary approach to snakebite prevention and treatment in the coming years.

References:

Glanville, J., et al. (2025). Snake venom protection by a cocktail of varespladib and broadly neutralizing human antibodies. Cell, 188(10), 1701-1715.e14.