Revolutionary Heparin Breakthrough for Cobra Venoms

Researchers from the University of Sydney have discovered that blood-thinning medications, specifically heparinoids, can serve as antidotes for cobra venom. Using CRISPR gene-editing, the team found that heparin decoys can protect human cells from venom-induced damage. This discovery could lead to accessible snakebite treatments in high-risk regions.

Researchers from the University of Sydney have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against cobra venom. By repurposing blood-thinning medications known as heparinoids, they found a potential antidote that can protect human cells from venom-induced damage.

Using CRISPR gene-editing technology, the team identified how cobra venoms attack cells and discovered that flooding the system with heparin can serve as a decoy target. This novel approach not only showed effectiveness in human cells but also demonstrated protective effects in mice experiments.

This innovative treatment could pave the way for affordable and accessible snakebite therapies in regions where cobras are prevalent, reducing dependency on costly, species-specific antivenoms.

(With inputs from agencies.)