Antivenom made from hyper immunization of livestocks such as horse remain the main treatment of snakebite envenomation. However, there are several drawbacks associated with its use to treat snakebite victims. These drawbacks includes adverse effects like allergies, hypersensitivity responses, anaphylaxis. These are mainly caused by the victim’s immune system reacting to the animal’s antibodies. Other drawback are: batch variability, poor antibody preparation, complex manufacturing processes, etc.
Alternatives suggested include: human antibodies, recombinant anti-toxin and expression in cells, plant natural/synthetic inhibitor compounds etc.

Research is still needed in this areas to develop safer, and effective alternatives.

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