Why are Antivenoms not Easily Accessible in India?

Context: India records an estimated 58,000 snakebite deaths annually, making it the “snakebite capital” of the world.

What are Antivenoms?

• Antivenoms (or antivenins) are life-saving medicines used to treat snakebites. They work by neutralizing venom toxins in the body.
• Production: Animals like horses are injected with small amounts of venom to stimulate antibody production. These antibodies are then harvested and purified to create antivenoms.
• Function: Antivenoms bind specifically to venom toxins, neutralizing their effects and allowing the body to clear them.

Snake Venom Composition

• It is a lethal cocktail of toxic proteins evolved to immobilize prey and defend against threats.
• Types of Toxins:
  • Haemotoxins: Destroy blood cells and disrupt clotting.
  • Neurotoxins: Block nerve signals, causing paralysis.
  • Cytotoxins: Dissolve tissue at the bite site.

Challenges in accessing Anti-venoms

• Access Challenges: Remote areas lack healthcare facilities with antivenoms.
• Infrastructure Issues: Cold storage is critical for antivenom preservation, its non-availability in rural areas is an issue.
• High manufacturing costs

Future of Antivenoms

• Researchers use recombinant DNA technology to produce lab-engineered, synthetic antivenoms free from animal-derived proteins and offer greater safety and efficacy.

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