Gujarat has taken a significant step towards creating its first region-specific anti-snake venom by providing freeze-dried venom from four venomous snake species to a licensed manufacturer. The Snake Research Institute in Dharampur, Valsad district, handed over the venom to M/s Vins Bioproducts Limited in Telangana for production. This move aims to enhance treatment outcomes for snakebite victims in the state.
State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia highlighted that this initiative is crucial to address regional variations in snake venom and ultimately decrease snakebite-related fatalities. The Snake Research Institute strictly adheres to WHO guidelines in maintaining snakes, extracting venom, and ensuring high-quality venom availability for anti-snake venom production.
The consignment sent by the Gujarat Forest Department included venom from Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper, all lyophilized before being handed over for manufacturing. The development of Gujarat-specific anti-venom aligns with India’s goal to reduce snakebite-related deaths by 50% by 2030.
M/s Vins Bioproducts Limited, the manufacturer, not only produces anti-snake venom but also antisera for snakebites and scorpion stings, along with vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria, and gangrene. The successful auction of snake venom earlier this year demonstrated adherence to international scientific standards in venom collection and processing.
Forest Department officials emphasized the importance of region-specific anti-snake venom in addressing the significant number of human deaths resulting from snakebites in India. S.K. Srivastava, Director of the Gujarat Forestry Research Foundation, stressed the urgent need for locally developed anti-venom given the mortality rates from snakebites in the country.
Experts involved in the project noted that snake venom varies geographically, necessitating region-specific anti-venom for optimal treatment. The establishment of the Snake Research Institute in Dharampur, Gujarat, focuses on collecting venom from local venomous snakes, ensuring the development of effective anti-snake venom.
