Improving in vivo assays in snake venom and antivenom research: A community discussion

F1000Res. 2024 Mar 15:13:192. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.148223.1. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

On the 26 th January 2023, a free to attend, 'improving in vivo snake venom research: a community discussion' meeting was held virtually. This webinar brought together researchers from around the world to discuss current neutralisation of venom lethality mouse assays that are used globally to assess the efficacy of therapies for snakebite envenoming. The assay's strengths and weaknesses were highlighted, and we discussed what improvements could be made to refine and reduce animal testing, whilst supporting preclinical antivenom and drug discovery for snakebite envenoming. This report summarises the issues highlighted, the discussions held, with additional commentary on key perspectives provided by the authors.

Keywords: 3Rs; Antivenom; Lethality; NAMs; Preclinical assays; Venom.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antivenins* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Snake Bites* / drug therapy
  • Snake Venoms* / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Antivenins
  • Snake Venoms

Grants and funding

This work was supported by a NC3Rs project grant awarded to Dr Stuart Ainsworth NC/X001172/1.