Loading Curie Briefs...
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Nature's own antidote: Researchers at the University of Maryland found that toxin-blocking proteins in rattlesnake blood can neutralize venom from multiple dangerous snake species — about 10 times more potently than current commercial antivenoms. The discovery could pave the way for safer, cheaper, and more broadly effective snakebite treatments for a condition that kills up to 140,000 people each year.
Scientists at the University of Maryland have found a compelling new approach to treating venomous snakebites — and the secret was hiding in the snakes themselves. Led by Distinguished Professor Sean B. Carroll, the team identified naturally occurring toxin-blocking proteins (called FETUA proteins) in western diamondback rattlesnake blood that evolved to protect the snakes from accidental self-envenomation.
The real breakthrough came when researchers combined multiple FETUA proteins. While individual proteins could reduce specific venom effects — like bleeding or enzyme activity — none could fully prevent death on their own. But optimized protein combinations completely neutralized rattlesnake venom's lethal effects and offered broad protection against multiple viper species, outperforming current sheep-derived antivenoms by a wide margin.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Snakebite is one of the world's most neglected tropical diseases, disproportionately affecting rural communities in low-resource settings. Current antivenoms are costly, variable in quality, and can trigger serious immune reactions. A nature-based, lab-produced antivenom could be safer, cheaper, and scalable — with veterinary applications potentially arriving first, followed by human treatments.
