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The collected venom serves two primary purposes: as the raw material for antivenom production and as a resource for scientific research into potential medical treatments. Kristen emphasizes the rarity of their work—there are fewer than 40 venom-producing facilities worldwide. This scarcity makes their contribution invaluable, especially considering the role of antivenoms in treating deadly snake bites.
The Critical Role of Antivenom and Its Challenges
Antivenom is the only effective treatment for snakebite envenomation, but it remains difficult to produce and distribute. The process involves injecting venom into host animals, typically horses, which then develop antibodies. These antibodies are harvested, purified, and turned into antivenom serum.