Snakebites: Inspiration, Innovation & Investment | Naira Ayvazyan | TEDxUTMA

TL;DR

Snake bites are a significant global issue inspiring research and investment in antivenoms and drug design.

Transcript

everyone join me as I introduce to you Professor n iasan as she speaks to us on the topic snake bites inspiration Innovation and investment Dr Professor you are handly welcome well hi everybody I'm here to represent the topic of my passion for many years it's snake bites which is the huge part of toxinology but before going ahead I would like to cl... Read More

Key Insights

• ☠️ Snake bites are a significant global health issue, with high mortality and disability rates.
• 🤑 Venoms from snakes offer a rich repository of biological substances with potential for drug development.
• ❓ Antivenom technology is evolving, with innovations like monoclonal antivenoms being explored.
• 🙇 Investment in research and development for snake bite treatment has increased, thanks to initiatives from organizations like the WHO and Wellcome Trust.
• 🍰 Challenges with traditional antivenoms include limited efficacy, side effects, and short half-lives in the body.
• 🐍 Repurposing small molecule drugs presents a novel approach to improving snake bite treatment outcomes.
• 🦻 Understanding blood groups and utilizing visualization techniques can aid in developing more effective antivenom treatments.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are snake bites considered a neglected tropical disease?

Snake bites cause severe systemic problems and require specialized treatment, leading to the classification as a neglected tropical disease and prompting increased investment in prevention and control strategies.

Q: What challenges are associated with traditional antivenoms?

Traditional antivenoms, harvested from animals like horses, are limited by shortcomings such as side effects, short half-lives, and inability to neutralize all venom toxins effectively.

Q: How are innovations like monoclonal antivenoms addressing challenges in snake bite treatment?

Monoclonal antivenoms offer a more targeted approach to neutralizing venom toxins but face limitations in capturing the diverse range of toxins in snake venoms.

Q: What potential exists in repurposing small molecule drugs for snake bite treatment?

Repurposing small molecule drugs presents a promising avenue to extend the efficacy of snake bite treatment, especially in rural areas where immediate access to medical care is limited.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Snake bites are a critical global health concern, with every five minutes seeing 50 people afflicted, leading to disabilities and deadly consequences.

• Venoms from snakes offer a rich source of biological substances for potential drug design, with millions of active peptides awaiting exploration.

• Innovations in antivenom technology, such as monoclonal and recombinant antivenoms, are being pursued to improve treatment outcomes.