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Razi Institute’s New Heptavalent Antivenom Saves Four from Previously Fatal Snakebites

Tehran University and National Network Forge Alliance to Maximize Laboratory Capabilities

Razi Institute's New Heptavalent Antivenom Saves Four from Previously Fatal Snakebites

Razi Institute’s New Heptavalent Antivenom Saves Four from Previously Fatal Snakebites

The Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute’s new seven-valent antivenom has successfully saved the lives of four individuals in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province.

According to a report from the Jadeh Makhsous news base, Ali Eshaghi, the head of the Razi Institute, announced the breakthrough. He stated, “Following tragic reports of fatalities due to the ‘Siah-mar’ (Black Snake) bite in Sistan and Baluchestan province, the Razi Institute dispatched experts. Through the continuous efforts of our researchers and scientists, and after complex scientific and technical processes, we produced a specific antivenom against this dangerous species, adding it to our previous antivenoms to design and produce a heptavalent (seven-valent) formula.”

He added that in recent days, four people from the Ashar, Pir, and Gurok regions who had been bitten by the Siah-mar were treated at Hatam Hospital in Iranshahr. The administration of the new heptavalent antivenom saved them from what would have been certain death.

“Unfortunately, in the past, all victims of the Siah-mar bite lost their lives. This is the first recorded case of successful treatment for this type of snakebite in the country,” Eshaghi clarified.

According to Jadeh Makhsous, the head of the Razi Institute elaborated on the antivenom’s development: “The creation of the heptavalent antivenom against Iran’s most venomous snakes, including the Siah-mar, is the result of the relentless efforts of our colleagues in the venomous animals department. It is a major step towards enhancing community health and safety, as they were able to produce a specific antivenom with high, 100% efficacy in a short period.”

The antivenom has been delivered by the Razi Institute to the Ministry of Health for distribution to medical centers in the province, aiming to protect citizens from this deadly threat.

Eshaghi emphasized, “Our research in the venomous animals department at the Razi Institute is ongoing, and we have extensive studies underway on snakebites and scorpion stings.”

With approximately 80,000 venomous bites per year, Iran ranks second globally in such incidents. The high-quality antivenoms from the Razi Institute have been crucial in reducing the annual mortality rate to fewer than 10 deaths, with most remaining fatalities attributed to delays in reaching medical care.

What is your perspective on this significant advancement in public health technology? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Tehran University and National Network Forge Alliance to Maximize Laboratory Capabilities

Tehran University and National Network Forge Alliance to Maximize Laboratory Capabilities

In a strategic meeting, managers and laboratory officials from the School of Public Health at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) convened to discuss the optimal utilization of the university’s extensive laboratory capacities within the framework of Iran’s National Laboratory Network.

According to the Jadeh Makhsous news and information portal, the brainstorming session was held at the Health Research Institute and included the Dean and managers of the TUMS School of Public Health, alongside Amir Younesian, Director of the National Laboratory Network, and Mojtaba Nasab, the network’s secretary. The primary agenda was to explore avenues for expanding laboratory cooperation and elevating the standard of specialized services.

During the session, managers from various educational groups equipped with specialized and research laboratories, as well as the head of the central research laboratory and the deputy of research, presented their current challenges, issues, and requirements.

Amir Younesian, Director of the National Laboratory Network, detailed the network’s activities and services, stating, “The National Laboratory Network was established to create coordination and enhance the quality of laboratory services nationwide. Membership provides labs with access to the equipment and specialized capacities of other centers, fostering research synergy and knowledge exchange.” He added, “We are prepared to develop joint research and educational programs by leveraging the existing capacities at the School of Public Health’s laboratories, ensuring the benefits of network membership are clear and tangible for all.”

According to Jadeh Makhsous, Mojtaba Nasab, the network’s secretary, reviewed the processes and advantages of membership, emphasizing, “The National Laboratory Network is capable of providing consulting and technical services for new laboratories. Necessary planning to fully harness the capacities of the TUMS School of Public Health laboratories is on our agenda.”

Javad Rafinejad, Dean of the School of Public Health, underscored the importance of a continuous and closer relationship between the school’s research labs and the national network. He concluded, “Upgrading the level of specialized laboratory equipment and services requires bilateral cooperation and the utilization of existing capacities across the country.”

What is your perspective on the role of national networks in advancing scientific and technological infrastructure? Share your thoughts in the comments below.