Protein from opossums contains ingredient for improving anti-venom

Protein from opossums contains ingredient for improving anti-venom


Opossums have something humans want: a protein that protects the animals from snake venom.

According to research conducted decades ago, a peptide in the protein seems to neutralize toxins in venom by binding to them. California researchers recently picked up where past scientists left off, experimenting with the peptide in mice to see how it affected them.

Their study shows promising results: The peptide protected the mice from two types of poisonous snakes. The scientists used a synthesized version of the peptide to conduct their experiments. They also found an inexpensive way to produce the peptide: by manipulating E. coli bacteria to generate it.

Interestingly, this new method could be safer than commonly used antivenom. Most antivenom is made from the serum a horse’s body creates after it is injected with venom. Extraneous substances in the serum can provoke serious allergic reactions in people who receive the antivenom. These side effects are better than dying from a snakebite … but finding a way to avoid them would be ideal.

A cheaper, safer antivenom would be a major public health development for much of the world. In many parts of Africa, Asia and South America, venomous snakes are a big danger. People who live and work in these often-remote areas spend lots of time outdoors and usually have little access to medical help.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 20,000 people die each year from venomous snakebites. The group’s website says the actual figure may be nearly five times that, since many snakebites go unreported.

Maybe the opossum should be the new bearer of the title “man’s best friend.”

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