Developing a treatment for snakebite envenoming using varespladib.
Official title: Development of Intravenous Varespladib, a Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor, for the Treatment of Snakebite Envenoming
Funded at Ophirex, INC. · NIH-10932399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called varespladib to see if it can help people who have been bitten by venomous snakes by reducing the harmful effects of the snake venom, especially when regular antivenoms don't work well.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ophirex, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Corte Madera, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $886,309 |
| NIH project number | 5R01FD007839-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a snakebite from a venomous species.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been bitten by a venomous snake will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the development of varespladib, a potent inhibitor of a specific toxin found in snake venom known as secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of varespladib in treating patients who have been bitten by venomous snakes, particularly in reducing the severe toxic effects associated with snakebite envenoming. By inhibiting sPLA2, the research seeks to improve patient outcomes and potentially save lives, especially in cases where traditional antivenoms are ineffective. The approach includes both preclinical and clinical evaluations to determine the safety and efficacy of varespladib in human subjects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce mortality and disability caused by snakebites.
How similar studies have gone: Previous experimental studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Ophirex, INC.
Corte Madera, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Platts-Mills, Tim — Ophirex, INC.
- Study coordinator: Platts-Mills, Tim
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A new medicine for snakebite poisoning
This project is creating an intravenous medicine called varespladib to help people who have been bitten by venomous snakes.
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.