SAN DIEGO — Scripps Research scientists have made new discoveries that are raising hopes for a universal antivenom to deadly snakebites.  

What You Need To Know

  • Scientists are working to protect people from the most venomous snakes on the planet

  • Scripps Research scientists discovered antibodies that protect against a host of lethal snake venoms

  • They have developed an antibody that can block the effects of lethal toxins in the venoms of a wide variety of snakes found throughout Africa, Asia and Australia

  • They hope one day to develop a universal antivenom

Scripps Research scientist Irene Khalek is part of the team that recently developed a synthetic antibody called 95Mat5 that can block the effects of lethal toxins in the venoms of snakes, such as cobras, kraits and mambas.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 100,000 people die every year after being bitten by venomous snakes, mainly in Africa and Asia.

Snake venoms vary significantly between species, and treatment depends on which one has bitten you, which is not always known.

Khalek views their discovery as a milestone in developing a universal antivenom everyone can access.

“In one way, it’s a proof of concept that we can do this,” she said. “Currently, antivenom is very, very expensive to manufacture, and a lot of people that need it the most can’t really afford it.”

The lab is also tackling other toxins found in many North American rattlesnakes.

Andy Blue is the director of the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. 

He’s encountered many venomous snakes around the world during his animal welfare career and knows how much a breakthrough like this could help save lives.

“It would be amazing to have one antivenom that can be utilized throughout the world,” Blue said.

He says there are four species of rattlesnakes in San Diego County and they come into contact with them often. Blue says a universal antivenom would take some of the worry away as they do their jobs to protect all wildlife.

“We treat several a year,” Blue said. “If we get a call to relocate a rattlesnake, we will do it and it would be nice to have that in your back pocket knowing that you’re aware that there’s an antivenom that’s a universal antivenom.”

Khalek says there is much more work to do in breaking down each snake’s different toxin and finding the right antibodies to block each one, but she is hopeful that someday soon, they will create the perfect cocktail to save lives.

“Exciting to be working on these things that could be helpful to people and develop better strategies towards confronting it,” she said. 

The Ramona Wildlife Center says more than half of rattlesnake bites in Southern California are “dry bites,” meaning the snakes don’t use their venom. 

They recommend always keeping a respectable distance away and never crowding around a rattlesnake.