New WHO Guidance on Novel Snakebite Treatments Published
The World Health Organization has released the first set of Target Product Profiles (TPPs) to guide the development of next-generation snakebite treatments, including small molecule drugs and engineered antibodies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first set of Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for novel snakebite therapeutics to provide researchers and manufacturers with the specific standards needed for next-generation treatments. These guidelines focus on both small molecule drugs and engineered antibody biologics, aiming to address the urgent need for medical solutions for the 5.4 million people bitten by snakes annually.
The guidance introduces two distinct clinical settings: one for hospital-based treatments that can replace or assist conventional antivenoms, and another for pre-hospital products designed to "buy time" or eliminate the need for hospital stays entirely. By aligning these standards with existing global requirements, the WHO seeks to improve equity in the antivenom market and ensure that new products in early-stage development are safe, effective, and tailored to the needs of at-risk populations.
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