Context:
The tragic death of Mayuri, a five-year-old girl in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, due to a snakebite and delayed access to antivenom, underscores the preventable nature of such fatalities in India. With approximately 58,000 snakebite-related deaths annually, India is often referred to as the "snakebite capital of the world."

What Are Antivenoms?
Antivenoms are life-saving medicines created from animal antibodies, usually derived by injecting venom into horses. These antibodies neutralize the toxins present in snake venom, which include:

• Haemotoxins: Damage blood cells.
• Neurotoxins: Paralyze nerves.
• Cytotoxins: Dissolve tissue.

Antivenoms work by binding to these toxins, allowing the body to eliminate them effectively.

How Are Antivenoms Made?
The production of antivenoms involves extracting venom from snakes, which is then used to immunize horses. The horses produce antibodies, which are collected and purified into antivenom. This method, first developed by Albert Calmette in the 1890s, remains the primary approach for antivenom production.

Snakebite in India:
India is home to over 300 snake species, with more than 60 of them being venomous. The "Big Four" snakes—common krait, Russell's viper, saw-scaled viper, and Indian cobra—are responsible for most deaths. However, several venomous species are not covered by existing antivenoms, leaving victims unprotected.

• Between 2001 and 2014, a study found 1.2 million snakebite deaths, with rural agricultural workers being the most affected.

Challenges in Antivenom Accessibility:
Despite being the largest global producer of antivenom, India faces significant challenges in ensuring accessibility, particularly in rural areas.

• Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate healthcare facilities and limited availability of antivenoms.
• Logistical Issues: High costs, improper cold storage, and distribution challenges.
• Cultural Beliefs: Superstitions often delay treatment, worsening outcomes for snakebite victims.

Future of Antivenoms:

On January 15, 2025, a breakthrough in synthetic antivenom design was announced by an international team of researchers led by 2024 Nobel laureate David Baker. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), these synthetic antivenoms promise improved effectiveness, wider availability, and a potential shift from the traditional century-old methods of antivenom production.

In India, Karthik Sunagar from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, is working to address the cross-species and regional variability in snake venoms. By mapping the toxin composition of various snake species, researchers aim to create region-specific antivenoms, ensuring more precise and effective treatment for victims.

Additionally, advancements in portable venom-detection kits and rapid diagnostic tools are being developed. These innovations aim to enhance the accuracy and speed of antivenom administration, especially in remote areas where medical facilities are limited.