1 Drop of Camel’s Tears Can Neutralise 26 Snake Venoms, Says Study
In a groundbreaking discovery, a study by the National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC) in Bikaner, India has found that a single drop of camel’s tears can neutralize 26 different snake venoms. This remarkable finding has significant implications for the treatment of snakebite victims and has sparked interest among pharmaceutical companies seeking camel-derived antibodies.
The study, conducted by NRCC scientists, involved immunizing camels with saw-scaled viper venom, a common and deadly snake found in India. The researchers discovered that the antibodies present in the camels’ tears and blood were highly effective in counteracting the venom’s lethal impact. This means that a single drop of camel’s tears could potentially be used to treat a person bitten by any of the 26 snake species identified in the study.
The NRCC scientists’ breakthrough is attributed to the unique properties of camel’s tears, which contain a high concentration of antibodies that are capable of neutralizing snake venom. Camels have evolved to produce these antibodies as a natural defense mechanism against the venomous bites of snakes, which are common in their desert habitats.
The study’s findings have sent shockwaves through the scientific community, with many experts hailing it as a major breakthrough in the treatment of snakebites. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), snakebites are a significant public health problem in many parts of the world, resulting in an estimated 81,000 to 138,000 deaths per year.
The NRCC study’s lead researcher, Dr. S.K. Singh, explained the significance of the discovery, saying, “Camel’s tears contain a unique antibody that can neutralize snake venom. We have identified 26 snake species that are neutralized by this antibody, and we believe that this could lead to the development of a universal antidote for snakebites.”
The study’s findings have also attracted the attention of pharmaceutical companies, which are actively seeking to develop camel-derived antibodies for the treatment of snakebites. According to Moneycontrol, several companies are already in talks with the NRCC to acquire the rights to the antibodies, which could potentially be used to develop a range of snakebite treatments, including antivenoms and vaccines.
The commercial potential of the NRCC’s discovery is significant, with experts estimating that the global antivenom market could be worth over $1 billion by 2025. However, the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Singh, emphasized the importance of ensuring that any commercial applications of the discovery are equitable and benefit both the camel industry and local communities.
The NRCC study’s findings also have broader implications for the development of new treatments for other diseases. Camel’s tears contain a range of unique antibodies that could potentially be used to treat a range of conditions, including cancer, inflammatory diseases, and infectious diseases.
In conclusion, the NRCC’s groundbreaking study has opened up new possibilities for the treatment of snakebites and has highlighted the potential of camel-derived antibodies for the development of new treatments for a range of diseases. As the scientific community continues to explore the potential of camel’s tears, it is clear that this remarkable discovery has the potential to make a significant impact on global health.
