Indo-Danish researchers have developed a five-nanobody antivenom cocktail that showed protective effects against venom from several Indian cobra species in animal studies
Indo-Danish scientists have developed a five-nanobody antivenom cocktail using antibodies from camelids. The experimental treatment neutralised cobra venom in mice and could support development of region-specific antivenoms for India.
NewsFlash Desk: Snakebites remain a major public health challenge in India, where an estimated 50,000 people die from snakebite each year. A new study by scientists from India and Denmark has raised the possibility of developing next-generation antivenoms using tiny antibody fragments known as nanobodies.
The researchers exposed camelids, including alpacas and llamas, to venom from different Indian cobra species. Their blood developed antibodies capable of recognising specific toxins in the venom. Scientists isolated these antibodies and found that the selected antibody fragments could be produced at scale using microbial systems.
Nanobody Cocktail Targets Cobra Venom Toxins
The researchers developed a cocktail containing five nanobodies, which are extremely small antibody fragments. The nanobodies were selected for their ability to bind to important toxins found in the venom of different cobra species.
Laboratory experiments showed that the cocktail could neutralise venom activity and prevent toxins from binding to their targets in the body.
Experimental Antivenom Tested In Mice
Researchers subsequently tested the nanobody cocktail in mice. The treatment protected the animals against venom from the spectacled cobra, monocled cobra and both Indian king cobra species.
In some experiments, mice survived even when the cocktail was administered 30 minutes after envenomation. Researchers also reported that some mice displaying paralysis or other neurotoxic effects returned to normal following treatment.
Existing Antivenoms Have Production Limitations
Conventional antivenoms are generally produced by repeatedly exposing animals such as horses to snake venom. The antibodies generated in the animals are then collected and processed to produce antivenom.
This approach requires substantial quantities of antibodies and can result in batch-to-batch variations. Existing antivenoms can also have side effects and may have limited effectiveness against venoms from different snake species.
Nanobodies Could Support Region-Specific Antivenoms
The new approach uses selected antibody fragments instead of relying on the broader antibody mixtures generated through conventional production. Scientists say nanobodies can be produced on a large scale using microbial systems, potentially addressing some production, cost and safety concerns.
The researchers also suggest that the approach could be adapted to target the major toxins found in snakes from specific geographical regions. For India, this could eventually support the development of region-specific antivenoms designed around the venom profiles of locally important snake species.
However, the findings are based on experimental animal studies. The nanobody cocktail is not an established treatment for snakebite in humans, and further research would be required before any such therapy could be considered for clinical use.
