Snakebite is distinct from other neglected tropical diseases due to its acute and unexpected nature, which requires appropriate and time-critical responses. This challenge is compounded by the extraordinary diversity of venom toxins across species and regions.

While snakebite presents unique clinical challenges, many of the barriers to care are cross-cutting, systemic hurdles in logistics, communication, and infrastructure that are shared across global health.

Investment in this space has historically been low due to scarce and fragmented burden data, a lack of global visibility, and a perception that snakebite is ‘unsolvable’ because it’s not traditionally eliminable. Thus, innovation has stalled across the entire patient journey. Experts have noted challenges at every level, requiring innovation in multiple areas.

Supporting clinical decision-making pathways by understanding patient need and treatment required (e.g., detecting whether venom was injected by the bite or identifying the type of antivenom needed).

Why?

• An absence of reliable, affordable diagnostic tools to understand the type of venom and how it is spreading means clinicians rely on symptom observation to assess patients – potentially leading to over-treatment of non-venomous bites, incorrect antivenom administration, and unanticipated treatment needs.

Addressing the venom’s effects on the patient, depending on whether it’s cardiovascular toxic (heart and circulation), neurotoxic (nervous system), hemotoxic (blood), cytotoxic (tissue), or myotoxic (muscle). 

This could include timely pain management and resuscitation, knowledge of proper antivenom administration, management of adverse reactions, ancillary care, wound management, etc.

Why?

• Healthcare workers may not have the specific training, resources or experience, which can affect their confidence in managing snakebites and its complications.