Assessment of the toxicity assay as a substitute of the mouse lethality assay in the determination of venom-induced toxicity and preclinical efficacy of antivenom.

Mice are routinely used in snake venom research but are costly and subject to pain and suffering. The crustacean could be an alternative to mice, but data to support its adoption in snake venom research is limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of as a surrogate of mice in assessing the toxicity of venoms and the preclinical efficacy of antivenoms.