Rattlesnake blood proteins yield powerful new antivenom, University of Maryland study finds

September 8, 2026 at 07:06 PM2 min

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University of Maryland researchers have identified toxin-blocking proteins in western diamondback rattlesnake blood that provide unusually strong protection against venom from several dangerous snake species. The study, led by Distinguished University Professor Sean B. Carroll, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The findings could lead to more powerful antivenoms for snakebites, which kill an estimated 80,000 to 140,000 people annually according to the World Health Organization.

Key Facts

The study was led by Distinguished University Professor of Biology Sean B. Carroll and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Venomous snakes kill an estimated 80,000 to 140,000 people annually, according to the World Health Organization.
In 2022, Carroll's laboratory identified a protein called FETUA-3 that blocks metalloproteinase toxins in western diamondback rattlesnake venom and inhibits toxins from several other rattlesnake species.
Co-authors include Elda Sánchez, director of the National Natural Toxins Research Center at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

The Global Snakebite Burden

Snakebite is considered one of the world's most neglected tropical diseases. According to the World Health Organization, venomous snakes kill an estimated 80,000 to 140,000 people annually, while hundreds of thousands of survivors are left with permanent disabilities. Many of those affected live in rural areas where effective antivenom can be difficult to obtain. Existing antivenoms are typically produced by exposing large animals to snake venom and then collecting the antibodies those animals generate. Manufacturing these treatments can be costly, their quality and effectiveness can vary, and they may not work equally well against the many different toxins found in venom from different snake species.

Rattlesnake Blood Defense Mechanism

In 2022, Carroll's laboratory found that a protein called FETUA-3 could block the activity of many metalloproteinase toxins found in western diamondback rattlesnake venom. It could also bind to and inhibit toxins from the venoms of several other rattlesnake species. Carroll said, "Here was evolution's way for snakes to protect themselves from accidental self-envenomation." For the new research, co-authors including Elda Sánchez, director of the National Natural Toxins Research Center at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, examined what each FETUA protein contributes to venom resistance.