Scientists to soon create 'universal antivenom' against deadly snake bites — Here's everything you should know

Scientists Explore Universal Snake Antivenom Using Rare Human Antibodies (Image: Canva)

Could a single antivenom protect against multiple snake venoms? Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, believes it might be possible. He contacted Tim Friede, a self-taught herpetologist with hyperimmunity to deadly snake toxins. Over twenty years, Friede survived more than 800 snakebites and self-immunizations with venom from cobras, mambas, taipans, and rattlesnakes.

How Did Researchers Harness Rare Antibodies?

Why is developing a universal antivenom so difficult? Snake venoms contain up to seventy toxins, varying even within a single species. Glanville noted toxins belong to ten protein classes, with shared binding sites across venom types. He hoped Friede’s antibodies could neutralize multiple deadly toxins.

Using a 40-millilitre blood sample from Friede, Glanville worked with biochemist Peter Kwong and researchers at the National Institutes of Health and Columbia University. They isolated antibodies that targeted the most dangerous toxins. In 2025, Cell published their study showing the mixture protected mice against venom from nineteen elapid species. Thirteen species were fully neutralized; six showed reduced symptoms.

Which antibodies were key? LNX-D09 worked against long-chain neurotoxins, while SNX-B03 targeted short-chain neurotoxins. Combined with varespladib, which neutralizes phospholipase A2 toxins, the cocktail disabled multiple venom components. Kartik Sunagar from the Indian Institute of Science explained, “If you disable one [toxin], it neutralizes the whole thing,” to Live Science.

Do Experts Support a Universal Antivenom?

Are global antivenoms realistic? Andreas Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel of the Technical University of Denmark expressed doubts. He told Live Science, “The toxins important in African snakes may not even exist in any snake venom in the Americas.” He added a single universal antivenom might be unnecessary.

Why is production challenging? Most antivenoms still rely on 125-year-old technology of injecting animals with venom. This carries risks such as allergic reactions or serum sickness. Laustsen-Kiel stressed the field needs human monoclonal antibodies that act against multiple toxin variations.

What’s the Path Forward for Broad Neutralization?

Could antibodies cover different geographic regions effectively? Sunagar reported a synthetic antibody neutralized king cobras in the Western Ghats, monocled cobras in eastern India, many-banded kraits in Southeast Asia, and black mambas in sub-Saharan Africa. “Achieving broad neutralization is not a challenge anymore,” he told Live Science.

What remains a limitation? Mass-producing antibodies is expensive, especially for developing countries most affected by snakebites. Globally, up to 138,000 people die annually from venomous bites, according to WHO. Many may not seek medical treatment, so numbers are likely underestimated.

Will the approach expand to vipers? Glanville confirmed his team is developing a similar cocktail for viper bites. They are also exploring testing in pet dogs in Australia. Sunagar suggested a combination of region-specific antivenoms could be more practical than a single universal solution.

Does this research mark a breakthrough? Glanville’s work demonstrates a decade-old approach can succeed. It validates creating broadly neutralizing antibodies for multiple species. While a universal solution is uncertain, these developments could significantly reduce snakebite fatalities.