ANTIVENOM DEVELOPMENT IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

Brown snakes, Pseudonaja genus, cause more bites and deaths to animals and humans in Australia than any other terrestrial snake genus. Some aspects of treatment of brown snakebites with antivenom remain poorly managed due to the apparent inability of the antivenom to counter the prothrombin activator in the venom. We present evidence of a new novel antivenom (Antiven Pty Ltd Brown snake antivenom (ABSAV)), which shows high efficacy in reversing the hemostatic abnormality caused by brown snake envenomation. It is also more efficient at reversing overall toxicity. In clotting tests, it is substantially more potent than Commonwealth Serum Laboratories Ltd (CSL) Brown snake antivenom and is twice as effective in reversing overall toxicity than CSL Brown snake antivenom.

Antiven Pty. Ltd. Brown snake antivenom is currently being assessed by the National Registration Authority (veterinary regulative body in Australia).

Keywords: :

• Antivenom
• Pseudonaja
• Elapid
• IgY
• IgG.