Jeroen Kool and Mátyás Bittenbinder did research on the potential for using snake venom for medical research and new medicines.
Each of these cocktails consists of dozens of toxins, targeted at a number of major pathophysiological targets within the (human) body. These include the nervous system, the circulatory system, and cells and tissues.
Snakebites are a serious problem primarily due to their potential to cause severe injury, disability, and even death if not treated promptly and effectively. There is an urgent need for research into how these bioactive venom cocktails exert their effects and how we can neutralise them.
Despite the challenges posed by snakebites, it's important to realise the potency and selectivity of the venom toxins hold promise for drug discovery and medical research. The concept of "venoms-to-drugs" highlights the potential therapeutic applications of venom components in various areas, including pain management, cardiovascular health, cancer treatment, and neurological disorders.