Snake Venom and Antivenom Pharmacology

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  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...

The Venom Revolution in Biomedicine: Unlocking Nature’s Toxin Toolkit for Therapeutic Innovation

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The Venom Revolution in Biomedicine: Unlocking Nature’s Toxin Toolkit for Therapeutic Innovation

Abstract

Once known only for its deadly effects, venom is now valued for its medicinal potential. The transformation of venomous substances into therapeutic agents, focusing on the synergy between natural toxins and drugs, is a recent topic of interest to the scientific community worldwide. Venom is a concoction of various biomolecules, including proteins, enzymes, peptides, protease inhibitors, and more. This review focuses on different categories of venomous species, their venom composition, the mechanism of venom deployment, and the pharmacokinetics. Besides this, it also focuses on the technological innovations while tracing venom's medical use from ancient practices to modern therapies. Additionally, it addresses the challenges and future directions, such as regulatory obstacles related to the approval processes for venom-derived drugs, illustrating the ongoing evolution from toxins to cure.
Bose, D., Srinivasan, K., Patil, S. S., Nayak, A. G., & Hariharapura, R. C. (2026). The Venom Revolution in Biomedicine: Unlocking Nature’s Toxin Toolkit for Therapeutic Innovation. Toxicology Reports, 16, 102227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2026.102227