August 5, 2025
In a long-awaited breakthrough, researchers have developed a universal antivenom capable of neutralizing venom from a wide range of deadly snakes — including cobras, vipers, and mambas — using synthetic antibodies instead of traditional animal-derived serums.
The team, led by scientists at the University of Copenhagen, engineered a cocktail of human-compatible synthetic antibodies that latch onto and block key venom components responsible for paralysis, tissue destruction, and organ failure. Unlike current antivenoms, which are species-specific and derived from immunized horses, this new therapy could work across snake types and regions.
“This could be the biggest leap in snakebite treatment in decades,” said Dr. Anika Sørensen, the study’s senior author. “It’s scalable, safer, and effective against multiple venoms at once.”
Snakebite envenoming is listed by the WHO as a neglected tropical disease, killing over 100,000 people per year, mostly in rural parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America where timely access to care is limited.
One major limitation of current antivenoms is that they only work if the specific snake species is correctly identified — a dangerous delay in emergencies. The new synthetic version bypasses that problem entirely, targeting common toxin signatures shared across species.
The antivenom was tested in preclinical trials and showed success in neutralizing 13 different venom types in lab animals. Unlike older formulations, the synthetic version did not trigger serious allergic reactions — a major improvement for patient safety.
Researchers are now preparing for human trials, and collaborations are underway with global health organizations to make the antivenom affordable and accessible in low-income regions.
This advance not only revolutionizes how snakebites are treated but also opens the door to synthetic immunotherapies for other venom-based injuries — including spiders, scorpions, and even marine toxins.
University of Copenhagen. Synthetic Antibodies Neutralize Broad Spectrum of Snake Venoms.
World Health Organization. Snakebite Envenoming: Global Strategy (2023)
Nature Communications. Cross-Reactive Neutralization of Venom Toxins Using Engineered Antibodies
