Drug that can protect against cobra venom damage
Context
The discovery of a potential new treatment for venomous snake bites has emerged from a study published in July 2024 in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
- The study involves an international team of scientists from Australia, Britain, Canada, and Costa Rica, who have found that tinzaparin, a drug commonly used to prevent blood clots, can significantly reduce damage caused by spitting cobra venom.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Science and technology)
Key Highlights
- Red-Spitting Cobra: The Naja pallida, also known as the red-spitting cobra, is native to Tanzania and poses a significant threat due to its potent venom. When threatened, the cobra raises its hood, hisses loudly, and can spit venom into the eyes, nose, and mouth of its predator. This venom damages cells and the nervous system, often resulting in death for its typical prey and potentially causing permanent disability in humans.
- Antivenom Production: The current method for producing antivenom is based on techniques developed in the late 1800s. It involves injecting domestic animals with small amounts of snake venom to produce antibodies, which are then extracted and used to treat snakebite victims. This method has several drawbacks, including difficulty in production, storage, transportation, and administration, as well as high costs and severe side effects.
- New Research Findings: The study revealed that tinzaparin, a drug used to prevent blood clots, can reduce cell damage caused by spitting cobra venom. The researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing to identify genes involved in venom toxicity and found that these genes were related to the synthesis of heparan sulphate, a compound involved in blood vessel and clot formation. By introducing tinzaparin, which mimics heparan sulphate, they were able to protect cells from venom damage.
- Animal Trials: When the researchers injected mice with spitting cobra venom and tinzaparin, they observed significantly reduced skin damage compared to mice that did not receive the drug. This indicates the potential effectiveness of tinzaparin in treating venomous snake bites.
Significance
- Global Health Impact: Encounters with venomous snakes result in approximately 140,000 deaths annually, particularly in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The discovery of a new treatment could greatly improve survival rates and reduce the morbidity associated with snake bites.
- Innovation in Treatment: This research represents a significant advancement in the treatment of snake bites, moving away from traditional antivenom methods to potentially more effective and less harmful therapies.
- Accessibility: Tinzaparin is an inexpensive and widely available drug, making it a practical solution for regions heavily impacted by venomous snake bites.
Way Forward
- Clinical Trials: The researchers plan to file for a patent and initiate human clinical trials to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of tinzaparin in treating snake bites.
- Continued Research: The study’s use of CRISPR-Cas9 to understand venom toxicity mechanisms should encourage further research in this area, potentially leading to more targeted and effective treatments.
- Funding and Support: Increased funding and support for research into snake venom toxicity and treatment methods are crucial. This could enable the development of advanced therapies and improve outcomes for snakebite victims worldwide.
- Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the potential new treatment and the ongoing research is important to garner support and ensure that the benefits of these findings reach those in need.
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