Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for snakebite victims, with a drug called unithiol showing promise in preventing harm from venomous snakebites.
A New Hope for Snakebite Victims: Unithiol as a Potential Treatment
The venom of many vipers around the world contains proteins that need ‘zinc‘ to do their damaging work. Researchers are investigating whether a drug used for heavy metal poisoning might prevent harm to people from the venom of these snakes.
Snake venom is a complex mixture of bioactive molecules that serve as a defense mechanism for many species of snakes.
There are over 600 species of venomous snakes, with the most deadly being the inland taipan and eastern brown snake.
Snake venom contains enzymes that break down tissue, causing pain, swelling, and respiratory failure.
In humans, snake bites can be fatal if left untreated, with mortality rates ranging from 20% to 30%.
Venomous snakes are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, posing a significant threat to human health and safety.
The Problem with Current Treatments
Venomous snakebites are a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where access to medical care is limited. The World Health Organization considers them a priority neglected tropical disease, with an estimated 1.2 million to 5.5 million people suffering from venomous snakebites annually. Current treatments rely on antivenoms, which can be expensive and are not always available outside of healthcare facilities.
How Unithiol Works
Unithiol is a drug that has been used for heavy metal poisoning. It works by blocking proteins found in the venom of many vipers, including those from Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. These proteins cause profuse bleeding and tissue damage and need ‘zinc’ from the body to do their job. Unithiol can block these proteins by mopping up that ‘zinc’, making it a potential treatment for snakebite victims.
Unithiol, also known as diethylene triamine pentaacetate acid (DTPA), is a synthetic chelating agent used to remove heavy metals from the body.
It was first synthesized in 1949 and has since been widely used in various industries, including medicine, mining, and environmental remediation.
Unithiol works by forming stable complexes with metal ions, allowing them to be easily excreted from the body.
Its effectiveness in removing lead, mercury, and other toxic metals has made it a valuable tool in treating heavy metal poisoning.
The Potential Benefits of Unithiol
The benefits of unithiol as a treatment for snakebites are significant. Unlike antivenoms, which need to be administered intravenously and can cause severe allergic reactions, unithiol can be given orally and is stable at room temperature. This makes it an attractive option for rural areas where access to medical care is limited. Additionally, unithiol may serve as an alternative to antivenom or be useful as an initial treatment to keep damage in check until a person can get to a hospital for antivenom.
The Next Steps
While the results of the Phase I clinical trial are promising, more research is needed to determine the optimal dose of unithiol for treating venomous snakebites. The researchers established a three-dose regimen to test against bites in future trials. Further studies will be necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of unithiol as a treatment for snakebite victims.
A New Option for Snakebite Victims
The discovery of unithiol as a potential treatment for snakebites is a promising development in the fight against these deadly venomous bites. With its oral administration and stability at room temperature, unithiol offers a new option for rural areas where access to medical care is limited. As research continues to explore the potential benefits of this drug, we may see a significant reduction in the number of people dying from snakebites.
Unithiol, also known as DMPS (2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid), is a chelating agent used to treat heavy metal poisoning.
In some countries, it has been explored as a treatment for snakebites, particularly those caused by viperid and crotalid snakes.
Unithiol works by binding to the venom's heavy metals, neutralizing its toxic effects.
Studies have shown promising results in reducing mortality rates and improving patient outcomes.
However, unithiol is not widely recognized or approved as a standard treatment for snakebites due to limited research and regulatory issues.
- sciencenews.org | A drug for heavy metal poisoning may double as a snakebite treatment
