Bengaluru, Aug 20: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru are using artificial intelligence to explore new ways of developing antivenoms that could work against bites from multiple snake species, potentially making snakebite treatment more effective and accessible.

The research is being carried out by the Evolutionary Venomics Lab (EVL) at the Centre for Ecological Sciences. The team is using AI to analyse large and complex venom datasets and identify toxin targets that are shared across different snake species.

Snake venom can vary significantly between species and even between geographical regions, making treatment challenging. Current antivenoms are often designed around specific snake species and venom profiles. A broader-acting treatment could help hospitals reduce their dependence on maintaining multiple types of antivenom.

As part of the research, the laboratory is using Claude through Anthropic’s AI for Science programme to help organise and analyse venom-related data. The technology is expected to assist researchers in identifying patterns that could guide the development of broadly neutralising antivenoms.

IISc’s research builds on earlier work by the laboratory. The team developed a synthetic antivenom in 2024 and subsequently created venom maps to study variations in Russell’s viper venom across different environments.

The venom maps examine how factors such as temperature, humidity, rainfall and prey availability can influence the biochemical characteristics of snake venom. Such information could help researchers and clinicians better understand differences in venom potency and composition.

Russell’s viper is one of the most medically important venomous snakes in India and is responsible for a significant share of serious snakebite cases. Understanding how its venom changes across regions could therefore be important for improving treatment.

The latest project combines AI, evolutionary biology and venom research in an effort to develop next-generation antivenoms with broader protection. If successful, the approach could help simplify emergency snakebite treatment and improve access to appropriate antivenom, particularly in areas where hospitals may have limited stocks of different varieties.