Novas perspectivas na pesquisa e desenvolvimento de antivenenos

Abstract

Snakebite envenoming has a significant impact on public health due to its severity and frequency. It is estimated that worldwide, 5.4 million snake bites occur annually and, as a consequence, thousands of deaths, amputations and other permanent disabilities. Based on the various difficulties and limitations in the production and use of antivenom, new research, methods of obtaining, developing and improving these biopharmaceuticals are proposed. Among them are the use of human antibodies, antibody fractions, aptamers, small inhibitory molecules and the use of “omics” technologies for cross-reactivity research. The present work aims to address the main impacts of snakebite in the world, the problems related to the current treatment and which guidelines can be adopted with innovative strategies in order to minimize this global public health problem. The study was carried out through a narrative review, with a qualitative approach and exploratory depth, on the theme of the main perspectives for the future in the fight against snakebite envenoming. It was possible to observe that for the generation of these new biopharmaceuticals, actions such as investments, whether governmental or from the private sector, and a better knowledge of the snakes/venoms of each region are necessary.