Exploring Venomics and Antivenomics in the ADDovenom Project: Advancing Next-Generation Antivenoms based on Virus-Like Particles

The advancement of snakebite therapeutics is imperative due to the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with envenomation. Treatments based on animal-derived antivenoms face limitations in efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness. To overcome these challenges, the ADDovenom project aims to introduce a groundbreaking snakebite therapy utilizing thermostable protein-based ADDomer nanoparticles. These nanoparticles, derived from the adenovirus penton base protein, provide 60 high avidity binding sites for venom toxins, potentially revolutionizing antivenom development. Through cutting-edge protein engineering, expression technology, and mass spectrometry, alongside venom neutralization assays, the project delineates methodologies to develop next-generation antivenoms with unparalleled efficacy, safety, and affordability.