Optimization of anti-cobratoxins for treatment of neurotoxic envenomings

Cobras (Naja spp.) are some of the most venomous and dangerous snakes worldwide, responsible for high mortality and morbidity. The most toxic components of cobra venoms are cobratoxins, which target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) responsible for neuromuscular transmission. Inhibition of nAChRs may lead to respiratory arrest with death as a result within 3-12 hr after a bite from a cobra. Early parental administration of appropriate antivenom is the cornerstone of life saving snakebite therapy. However, current antivenoms are still produced by animal immunization, which is a laborious and expensive process yielding highly immunogenic antivenoms due to the heterologous nature of equine antibodies in the antivenom. In contrast, novel antivenom based on synthetic peptides may offer an alternative solution, which is less expensive and cause less side effects.