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Antivenoms for the treatment of snakebite envenomings: The road ahead
- Source :
-
Biologicals . May2011, Vol. 39 Issue 3, p129-142. 14p. - Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- Abstract: The parenteral administration of antivenoms is the cornerstone of snakebite envenoming therapy. Efforts are made to ensure that antivenoms of adequate efficacy and safety are available world-wide. We address the main issues to be considered for the development and manufacture of improved antivenoms. Those include: (a) A knowledge-based composition design of venom mixtures used for immunization, based on biochemical, immunological, toxicological, taxonomic, clinical and epidemiological data; (b) a careful selection and adequate management of animals used for immunization; (c) well-designed immunization protocols; (d) sound innovations in plasma fractionation protocols to improve recovery, tolerability and stability of antivenoms; (e) the use of recombinant toxins as immunogens to generate antivenoms and the synthesis of engineered antibodies to substitute for animal-derived antivenoms; (f) scientific studies of the contribution of existing manufacturing steps to the inactivation or removal of viruses and other zoonotic pathogens; (g) the introduction of novel quality control tests; (h) the development of in vitro assays in substitution of in vivo tests to assess antivenom potency; and (i) scientifically-sound pre-clinical and clinical assessments of antivenoms. These tasks demand cooperative efforts at all main stages of antivenom development and production, and need concerted international partnerships between key stakeholders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10451056
- Volume :
- 39
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Biologicals
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 60900561
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biologicals.2011.02.005