polyvalent f(ab')2 antivenom

Polyvalent F(ab')2 antivenom is a therapeutic biologic composed of purified F(ab')2 antibody fragments derived from the plasma of animals (typically horses) immunized against the venoms of multiple snake species. The F(ab')2 fragment is produced by pepsin digestion of whole IgG to remove the Fc portion, which significantly reduces the risk of type III hypersensitivity reactions (serum sickness) and improves the safety profile compared to whole IgG antivenoms. As a polyvalent product, it is designed to neutralize the toxins of several different venomous snakes endemic to a specific geographic region, making it essential in clinical settings where the biting species is unknown. The mechanism of action involves the fragments binding to and neutralizing circulating venom toxins, such as metalloproteinases and phospholipases, thereby preventing systemic toxicity, coagulopathy, and local tissue damage.

Brand names

AnavipAntivipmynInoserpFav-Afrique

Other names

Polyvalent Snake Antivenom (Equine)Crotalidae Immune F(ab')2 (Equine)F(ab')2 antivenom