California Snakebite Deaths Highlight Development of Oral Antivenom Treatment

California has reported three snakebite deaths in the past two months, including one this week from a suspected rattlesnake bite in Northern California. Two additional fatalities occurred in March, along with several non-fatal bites across the state.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an average of five snakebite deaths annually nationwide. Experts have noted potential reasons for the increase, such as warmer weather leading to more outdoor activity and snake encounters. Recommendations include staying calm, immobilizing the affected area, and seeking immediate medical help after a bite.

The pill neutralizes a key toxin found in 95% of snake species, according to the company. It is designed to be taken immediately after a bite to increase survival chances before reaching a hospital, though it does not replace professional medical treatment.

Dr. Timothy Platts-Mills, Ophirex’s chief medical officer and an emergency room physician trained at UCLA, stated that recent animal testing showed substantial improvements in survival against common U.S. snakes. These include six rattlesnake species, copperheads, water moccasins, and eastern coral snakes.

on humans is challenging due to the unpredictable nature of snakebites and ethical concerns about withholding standard antivenom. Ophirex aims to seek FDA approval for human and dog treatments by late next year. Annually, up to 100,000 dogs are bitten by snakes, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Globally, approximately 81,000 people die from snakebites each year, as reported by the FDA. The company’s long-term goal is to make the treatment accessible to backpackers, emergency personnel, and populations in high-risk areas worldwide. Separately, the United Kingdom's Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is developing two pills for trials in Brazil and Ghana next year.