Scientists have discovered that heparin, a common blood thinner, can be repurposed as an effective antidote for cobra venom. This breakthrough could drastically reduce the devastating effects of cobra bites, which cause severe injuries and even death worldwide.
A group of scientists has developed a human antibody that can broadly neutralize toxins found in the venom of many dangerous snakes, offering a promising step towards a universal antivenom. The antibody, named 95Mat5, was found to effectively protect mice from lethal doses of venom from various elapid snakes, including cobras, mambas, and kraits. The researchers believe that this antibody could be a valuable component in future antivenoms to combat snakebite envenoming, a neglected tropical disease that causes over 100,000 deaths annually.
Health officials are urging snake bite victims to refrain from bringing the venomous reptiles to hospitals. Despite the mistaken belief that this will aid in determining the appropriate antivenom, doctors emphasize that it can be detrimental. Almost 100 snake bite cases have been treated this year, with some patients bringing the snakes in plastic containers. However, doctors can determine the antivenom without seeing the snake through blood tests and detection kits. Experts advise victims to remove themselves from danger and seek help immediately, as trying to catch the snake can waste time and risk further bites.
