A polygeneric immunogen composed of 22 venoms from sub-Saharan African snakes to expand the neutralization scope of the EchiTAb-plus-ICP antivenom.

Recent research suggests that a polygeneric immunogen made from the venoms of the most medically important viperid and elapid snakes in sub-Saharan Africa could elicit a broader antibody response in horses compared to the current EchiTAb-plus-ICP antivenom, especially against neurotoxic elapid venoms. To test this, 25 horses that have been regularly immunized to produce this antivenom were reimmunized with an immunogen containing 22 venoms from various snake species from the genera , , , and both spitting and non-spitting . The plasma collected from these horses was processed using the caprylic acid method to produce an industrial-scale freeze-dried antivenom.

Stress levels, hematological condition, and productivity of plasma-producing horses used for snake antivenom manufacture: A comparison of two industrial bleeding methods.

The immunization and industrial bleeding of horses are essential stages for producing snake antivenoms. In Costa Rica, the traditional method involves stimulating the antibody response of horses by periodically injecting venoms, collecting hyperimmune plasma over three consecutive bleeding days, and repeating this process every eight weeks. While this method does not cause major physical or hematological issues in horses, the associated stress has not been evaluated.

Clinical effects of immunization, bleeding, and albumin-based fluid therapy in horses used as immunoglobulin source to produce a polyspecific antivenom (Echitab-plus-ICP) towards venoms of African snakes.

During the production of snake antivenoms, the animals used as immunoglobulin source are subjected to processes that could deteriorate their physical condition. Therefore, these conditions must be carefully designed and validated. In this work, the immunization and bleeding protocols applied to horses used to produce the African polyspecific antivenom EchiTAb-plus-ICP were evaluated regarding their effects on the horses' health.

Comparison of adjuvant emulsions for their safety and ability to enhance the antibody response in horses immunized with African snake venoms.

Adjuvant emulsions are widely used to enhance the antibody response in animals used as immunoglobulin source to produce snake antivenoms. We tested the performance of four commercial emulsion adjuvants (Montanide, Freund, Carbigen, and Emulsigen-D) and an experimental adjuvant (QH-769) in the antibody response of horses towards venoms of the African snakes , , and . Montanide, Freund and Carbigen adjuvants generated the highest immune response but induced moderate/severe local lesions at the site of injection.

Development and characterization of two equine formulations towards SARS-CoV-2 proteins for the potential treatment of COVID-19.

In the current global emergency due to SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, passive immunotherapy emerges as a promising treatment for COVID-19. Among animal-derived products, equine formulations are still the cornerstone therapy for treating envenomations due to animal bites and stings. Therefore, drawing upon decades of experience in manufacturing snake antivenom, we developed and preclinically evaluated two anti-SARS-CoV-2 polyclonal equine formulations as potential alternative therapy for COVID-19.