Source: CUT to develop snakebite treatment medicine – herald
Walter Nyamukondiwa-Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
ZIMBABWE could soon benefit from a locally developed treatment for snakebites following significant progress by researchers at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) in the formulation of a poly-herbal anti-venom and a potential pre-exposure prophylaxis aimed at preventing deaths.
The breakthrough is being hailed as a milestone under the country’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, which encourages universities to produce research-driven innovations that directly address national challenges.
Snakebites remain a public health concern in many rural parts of Zimbabwe, particularly in farming and mining communities where encounters with venomous snakes are common.
CUT’s research focuses on developing a polyvalent anti-venom capable of neutralising venom from several snake species.
The formulation specifically targets bites from the black mamba, puff adder and snouted cobra, which account for about 80 percent of snakebite cases recorded in the country.
The project has now moved beyond early laboratory phases and is currently undergoing sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies to determine whether the formulation has any short- or long-term toxic effects when administered to humans.
The research is being undertaken by CUT PhD student Tanaka Masaiti, working alongside executive dean in the School of Health Sciences and Technology Professor Kudakwashe Chitindingu, Professor Tongayi Mwedzi, Dr Nomathemba Chigu and Dr Tawanda Chisango. In addition to developing a polyvalent antivenom, the team is exploring the possibility of a pre-exposure prophylaxis that could be taken before individuals enter areas where snake encounters are likely.
According to researchers, the approach could provide added protection for people living and working in high-risk environments, particularly in remote rural areas.
The research also seeks to address challenges associated with currently available anti-venoms.
“Current anti-venoms used across Africa are largely derived from animal immunoglobulins, which are expensive to produce, require strict cold-chain storage and can sometimes cause adverse immune reactions in patients,” reads a report from CUT.
“The CUT research initiative explores plant-derived bioactive compounds as a complementary therapeutic strategy that could potentially improve accessibility and affordability of snakebite treatment, particularly in underserved rural regions.”
The new formulation combines indigenous knowledge systems with modern pharmaceutical science in the search for more effective and accessible treatments.
Researchers are also using advanced computational biology techniques, including artificial intelligence-driven pharmaceutical modelling and simulation, to identify plant compounds capable of neutralising snake venom.
Through these digital screening methods, the research team has been able to identify promising herbal candidates before advancing them to laboratory evaluation.
“Through computational toxicity prediction and molecular interaction analysis, the research team was able to prioritise several promising herbal candidates before advancing them into laboratory evaluation,” the research report said.
“This approach allows researchers to significantly reduce time and cost during the early stages of drug discovery while increasing the likelihood of identifying biologically active compounds.”
The poly-herbal formulation has already successfully passed preclinical studies conducted in line with regulatory requirements set by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the formulation may possess venom-neutralising activity across multiple species, supporting its development as a polyvalent therapeutic candidate,” the researchers said.
The ongoing sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies will help determine the long-term safety profile of the formulation before it can proceed to further regulatory processes and potential clinical trials.
“These evaluations represent a critical stage before further regulatory progression and potential clinical investigation.
“One innovative element under exploration is the possibility of the formulation offering prophylactic protection against some toxic effects associated with snake envenomation, particularly for individuals living in high-risk rural environments,” the research team noted.
CUT is fully funding the project through the Vice Chancellor’s scholarship programme and the university’s Innovation Hub.
The research is also aligned with Zimbabwe’s national development priorities under the National Development Strategy 2, which emphasises innovation, industrialisation and the development of locally driven scientific solutions to national challenges.
If successful, the development could improve access to life-saving treatment and strengthen the country’s capacity to manage snakebite emergencies, particularly in rural communities where access to anti-venom is often limited.
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