TLDR: Innovative yet challenging antivenom production amid global shortage; venomous snakes’ threat meets high costs, scarce access in rural areas.
This article is a summary of a You Tube video “How Antivenom Is Made During A Global Shortage | Big Business | Business Insider” by Business Insider
Key Takeaways:
- Venom Collection and Danger: Billy Collett collects venom from extremely toxic snakes, highlighting the risk and importance of this work.
- Global Impact of Snakebites: Millions suffer from venomous snakebites annually, with as many as 137,000 deaths.
- Antivenom Production Method: Antivenom is traditionally made by injecting venom into animals like horses and harvesting their antibodies.
- Shortage Crisis: There’s a critical shortage of antivenom globally, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia.
- Unique Venoms and Effects: Different snake venoms have varied effects, like attacking the nervous system or causing internal bleeding.
- Role of Horses in Antivenom Production: Horses are injected with venom, and their blood is used to produce antivenom.
- High Costs and Accessibility Issues: Antivenom production is expensive, and access is limited, especially in rural areas.
- Challenges in Antivenom Distribution: Poor rural communities suffer the most due to the high cost and scarcity of antivenom.
- Innovations in Antivenom Research: Researchers are exploring lab-produced antibodies and potential oral treatments for all snakebites.
- Importance of Government Investment: Successful reduction in snakebite deaths in countries like Australia and Costa Rica is attributed to government-funded antivenom treatments.
