Advancements in antivenom therapy: Historical perspectives, current challenges, and ongoing clinical trials
Advancements in antivenom therapy: Historical perspectives, current challenges, and ongoing clinical trials
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation remains a severe global health
burden, particularly in impoverished, rural, and tropical regions where
healthcare resources are sparse. Despite over 125 years of progress in
antivenom therapy, numerous obstacles persist related to efficacy, specificity,
cost, and availability. Conventional antivenoms, although life-saving, are
associated with significant drawbacks, including species specificity and
adverse immunologic reactions. This review explores the historical milestones
in antivenom development, discusses present therapeutic limitations, highlights
novel innovations through biotechnological approaches, and presents a list of
ongoing clinical trials that aim to revolutionize the field. It emphasizes the
pressing need for improved therapeutics and the critical role of translational
research in mitigating the global impact of snakebite envenomation.
Roque, L. A. (2025). Advancements in antivenom therapy: Historical perspectives, current challenges, and ongoing clinical trials. Innovative Medicines & Omics, IMO025240026. https://doi.org/10.36922/IMO025240026 or https://accscience.com/journal/IMO/articles/online_first/5434