Snake Venom and Antivenom Pharmacology

  SNAKE VENOM & ANTIVENOM Chemistry, Composition, Mechanisms and Pharmacology Abstract This integrated teaching session for Phase III MBBS students focused on the pharmacology and toxicology of snake venom and the principles of antivenom therapy. The lecture covered the chemistry, composition, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological effects of snake venoms and antivenoms. Rational use of antivenoms, indications, administration protocols, adverse reactions, and supportive management strategies were discussed. The session also highlighted the translational importance of venom-derived compounds in modern drug development. Recent advances in antivenom research, including recombinant human monoclonal antibodies, toxin-specific inhibitors, synthetic antibody technologies, and next-generation broad-spectrum antivenoms, were reviewed. Current discoveries and emerging approaches aimed at improving efficacy, safety, affordability, and accessibility of antivenom therapy were also explor...

A new species of Phlogiellus Pocock, 1897 from China (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

 

A new species of Phlogiellus Pocock, 1897 from China (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

Abstract

A new species of theraphosid spider, Phlogiellus hakka Yao, Gong, Yu & Liu, sp. nov., is described from Fujian Province, southern China, based on both male and female specimens. This represents the first record of the genus Phlogiellus Pocock, 1897 from Fujian Province. Detailed morphological descriptions, supported by digital images (including SEM), and information on its natural habitat are provided. The discovery of P. hakka sp. nov. fills a significant distributional gap along the southeastern coast of China and is discussed in relation to the known biogeography of the genus in the region.

Wang, Z., Yao, Y., Huang, S., Gong, J., Yu, H. & Liu, K. (2026) A new species of Phlogiellus Pocock, 1897 from China (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Zootaxa, 5760 (3), 349–360. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.3.3