Novel therapeutic formulation developed for improved treatment of Indian red scorpion sting

Source: The post is based on the article “Novel therapeutic formulation developed for improved treatment of Indian red scorpion sting” published in “PIB” on 2nd November 2023

Why in the News?

Researchers have developed a new therapeutic drug formulation(TDF) against the Scorpion envenomation.

What is envenomation?

Envenomation refers to the process of being poisoned or affected by venom typically from the bite or sting of a venomous animal like a snake, scorpion, or spider.

What is the current treatment for Scorpion envenomation?

Scorpion envenomation is a serious concern in many countries. Indian red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) is one of the world’s most dangerous scorpions.

The current treatment against scorpion envenomation is intravenous administration of equine anti-scorpion antivenom (ASA).

But this treatment has limitations due to the low proportion of venom-specific antibodies against the most abundant toxin.

What is the treatment developed by researchers?

Researchers have developed a new therapeutic drug formulation(TDF) against the Scorpion envenomation.

This drug can inhibit the Indian red scorpion venom-induced toxicity and associated symptoms.

Hence, this treatment holds promise for effective management of scorpion stings and is believed to potentially save the lives of numerous patients globally.

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