Gujarat's Initiative for Region-Specific Antivenom: Implications for Snakebite Treatment in India

On 2026-06-15, Gujarat announced progress in developing a region-specific antivenom using venom collected from the four medically important venomous snakes native to the state — the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper. The Snake Research Institute (SRI) at Dharampur supplied freeze-dried venom to a licensed manufacturer for production, with the first batch expected within one year. This marks a shift from India’s long-standing use of a single polyvalent antivenom for all four species.

India has relied on a single polyvalent antivenom since the 1970s, made by injecting purified venom from the 'Big Four' snakes into horses to stimulate antibody production. These antibodies are then extracted and processed into antivenom for human use. However, research over the past two decades has shown that venom composition varies significantly across regions due to differences in prey, habitat, and genetic divergence. Studies from the University of Mysore (2007) and a 2019 PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases paper by Kartik Sunagar confirmed that antivenoms made from venom in one region may not neutralise venom from another region effectively.

The move towards region-specific antivenoms aims to improve treatment accuracy by matching local venom profiles. Gujarat’s initiative is expected to enhance outcomes for snakebite victims in the state. However, experts caution that while regional antivenoms hold promise, they require extensive validation, standardised production, and regulatory approval. The current polyvalent antivenom remains effective and essential, but its limitations highlight the need for better healthcare infrastructure, timely access to treatment, and evidence-based protocols to reduce snakebite mortality.