Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark and the UW Medicine Institute for Protein Design are spearheading a computational biology initiative to find more effective antivenom treatments.
Every year, hundreds of individuals are killed by cobra venom, and an estimated 100,000 more suffer severe injuries from necrosis, which is the loss of bodily tissue and cells and can result in amputation.
This is the first time that this particular strategy is being applied to develop antibodies for snakebite treatment.
Russel’s Viper is highly venomous and possesses hemotoxic venom (RVV – Russel’s Viper Venom) which is highly lethal. A small jab with the fangs can transfer a large amount of venom, which can cause coagulopathies, internal bleeding, tissue damage (necrosis), and acute kidney injury.
Elapidae is a family of poisonous snakes that includes the cobras. They are recognized for their unusual looks, deadly venom, and the capacity to lift the front portion of their bodies when attacked, generating a distinctive hood shape.
