Some of the world’s deadliest snakes could soon be saving lives, with research from the University of Queensland showing venom could be used to stop uncontrolled bleeding.
The research team has found protein in the venom of two snakes – Australia’s eastern brown and scaled viper – could be used to speed up the body’s natural blood-clotting process.
The team is working on a gel that could be sold in pharmacies, added to first aid kits and used by paramedics or military personnel in combat zones to stop bleeding while a patient is taken to hospital.
The venom gel remains a liquid when stored in a cool place but solidifies at body temperature to seal the wound.
“The research shows there is five times less blood loss, and clots form three times more quickly when the venom gel is applied compared to the body’s natural process.
This even includes people with haemophilia and those using blood thinners”.
Dr. Kijas, who worked alongside AIBN Director Prof. Alan Rowan, Emeritus Prof. Martin Lavin and PhD candidate Ramanathan Yegappan, said current first aid treatment using gauze products often did not stop bleeding in an emergency.
“We hope this gel will accelerate the wound-healing processes needed for clotting and reducing blood flow, ultimately boosting the body’s capacity to heal large wounds.”
Current first aid treatment using gauze often did not stop bleeding in an emergency and it is hoped protein in the venom of Eastern brown snakes, and the scaled viper, will form the basis of an effective alternative.
The study, was published in Advanced Health Care Materials.