Leading the way to improved treatments for snakebite envenoming

Treatments for patients suffering from a snakebite have existed for more than 130 years and yet, remarkably, there has been no formal guidance in the public domain as to how to ensure that products such as antivenoms are safe, effective and of high quality.

WHO is leading the way towards the development of new or improved treatments for snakebite envenoming. We have convened a group of experts to inform development of several target product profiles (TPPs) for current and future treatments for snakebites. This technical and scientific advisory group (TSAG) on TPPs for snakebite treatments comprises 18 members from diverse fields who have provided extensive advice and guidance to support the development of these important documents. WHO public-benefit TPP guidelines are used by manufacturers, regulators, procurement agencies, clinicians and researchers to improve the design and development of commodities such as antivenoms, and thus improve treatment for snakebite victims.

The TPPs will cover conventional animal plasma-derived antivenoms, engineered antibody therapeutics (such as monoclonal or recombinant antibodies), and small molecule inhibitor-based drug therapies. All TPPs undergo a public consultation process prior to publication.