Danish researchers are using artificial intelligence to design a new class of antivenoms and early results are promising. In recent animal trials, the AI-engineered proteins led to survival rates of up to 100% in mice injected with deadly snake venom.
The project is led by Timothy Patrick Jenkins of the Technical University of Denmark, in collaboration with Nobel laureate David Baker from the University of Washington. Their method uses AI to analyze venom toxins and design synthetic proteins that can bind to and neutralize them.
“Snake venoms are incredibly complex cocktails of proteins. We use AI to identify the most dangerous ones and custom-make proteins that stick to them, basically acting like glue to prevent the toxins from damaging our nerves, cells, or blood,” Jenkins explained.
Targeting the Deadliest Toxins
The research focuses on “three-finger toxins,” a group of potent neurotoxins that interfere with nerve signals and can cause paralysis or death. By designing proteins that bind to these toxins, the scientists aim to block their harmful effects before they spread through the body.
In controlled trials, the synthetic antivenoms achieved survival rates ranging from 80% to 100% in mice. These results offer hope for a faster, more reliable treatment option, especially in areas where traditional antivenoms are scarce or ineffective.
Hope for the Developing World
Snakebites affect around 5 million people every year, with up to 138,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Most cases occur in low-resource regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where lifesaving antivenoms are often unavailable or too expensive.
“There’s a critical shortage of antivenoms globally. Our goal is to create something faster, more accessible, and easier to manufacture,” Jenkins said.
While still in the experimental phase, the team hopes to launch clinical trials within five years. The long-term goal: to develop an affordable, effective treatment that could save thousands of lives each year.
