A broadly effective human antivenom for many snakebites
Development of World's First Fully Human Broad Spectrum Anti-Snake Venom
This project is creating a fully human antibody-based antivenom meant to safely neutralize toxins from many different venomous snakes for people who are bitten.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Centivax INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (South San Francisco, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144562 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current antivenoms come from horse or sheep serum and can cause allergic reactions, need IV dosing, and usually only work for one species. Researchers are using fully human broadly neutralizing antibodies derived from a unique human antibody repertoire to target toxins shared across many snake venoms. The team has prior Phase I and in vivo validation and aims to produce a full human IgG product that could be given intramuscularly, last about three weeks, and avoid serum sickness and anaphylaxis. The approach is designed to create one broadly effective product that could be used in the field or by first responders rather than many species-specific antivenoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have been bitten by venomous snakes and need antivenom, especially when the snake species is unknown or quick field treatment is needed.
Not a fit: People with non-venomous bites or conditions that do not respond to antibody therapy, or whose care depends primarily on other emergency interventions, may not benefit directly from this product.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a single, safer, longer-lasting antivenom that is easier to give in the field and reduces allergic reactions and deaths from snakebite.
How similar studies have performed: Animal-derived antivenoms have a long history of use but cause side effects, while fully human broadly neutralizing antibodies are a newer approach with promising early animal and Phase I data but are not yet widely proven.
Where this research is happening
South San Francisco, UNITED STATES
- Centivax INC — South San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glanville, Jacob — Centivax INC
- Study coordinator: Glanville, Jacob
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.