Science TechnologyMonday, 6 July 2026·The Hindu - Science
Why India needs region-specific antivenom: Gujarat’s first state-level snake venom project
Gujarat has begun developing a region-specific antivenom using venom from four medically important snakes found in the State.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, Gujarat’s Snake Research Institute (SRI) at Dharampur handed over lyophilised venom from four medically important snakes to a licensed manufacturer to develop the State’s first region-specific antivenom.
Key specifics
- The four “Big Four” snakes are the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper and saw-scaled viper.
- The first batch of the Gujarat antivenom is expected within 1 year, according to State officials.
- India has relied for decades on a single polyvalent antivenom that targets all 4 species.
- The Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Co-operative Society in Chengalpattu remains India’s principal supplier of venom for licensed manufacturers.
- A 2019 study in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases reported poor venom recognition and neutralisation by commercially available Indian antivenoms against several snakes.
Exam lens
Question type: Science and health, species matching, antivenom production. Key facts: July 2026, SRI Dharampur, 4 medically important snakes, polyvalent antivenom, Chengalpattu Irula society, 2019 PLOS study. TNPSC may ask why geographically representative venom pools matter for snakebite treatment.