In recent months, red-tailed vipers with scientific name Trimeresurus albolabris have appeared in the central region at an alarming rate...
In recent months, red-tailed vipers with scientific name Trimeresurus albolabris have appeared in the central region at an alarming rate. Therefore, the demand for Trimeresurus albolabris antivenin produced by the Institute of Vaccine & Medical Biologicals (IVAC) has significantly increased.
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| Trimeresurus albolabris antivenin. |
When touched by anyone, the snake will bite them and secrete its toxic venom into the bitten people. Many snake bite cases have been reported.
The antiserum is prepared from blood plasma from horses. VAC has conducted research on the antivenin, a biological product used in the treatment of venomous bites or stings since 1996 via scientific research assigned by the Ministry of Health.
In 1999, the subject was examined and highly appreciated for the successful manufacturing of 2 antivenins used in the treatment of bites by Naja kaouthia and Trimeresurus albolabris.
Quality control tests were conducted in 2000 to ensure the serum's effectiveness and safety for human use and then they are allowed to be marketable in Vietnam in 2004. Together with other therapies, the antivenin produced by IVAC is known to save thousands of snakebite victims every year.
IVAC manufactures and provides 15,000-20,000 ampoules of antivenin in the treatment of Trimeresurus albolabris bite a year since 2004. The antivenin used to be distributed mainly to southern provinces and cities. In recent years, the supply of the antivenin in the central region has also increased. In the 3 recent months, the need for the antivenin has seen a sudden three-fold rise because of several recent cases of venomous snake bite.
IVAC provides 2,000 ampoules of the antivenin for distributors in the central region every month. The antivenin brought into market has increased by half compared with previous years.
The institute is committed to assuring sufficient supply of the antivenin nationwide in any circumstances. The products now are not necessarily commercially oriented. They has become so important for social purposes, confirms MA. Duong Huu Thai, Deputy Chief of IVAC.
N.T
