Rattlesnake’s own toxin blocker may become a new human antivenom

Snakebite incidents cause between 80,000 and 140,000 deaths and about 400,000 disabilities each year, especially in remote regions where antivenom is scarce. To address this gap, Sean Carroll and his team at the University of Maryland examined the natural resistance rattlesnakes have to their venom. Their findings suggest that the snakes’ self-produced inhibitors could be engineered into a therapeutic antivenom for people. The work aims to provide a more accessible solution for victims in underserved areas.