PROTEASES FOR TREATMENT OF VENOMOUS BITES

摘要

The present disclosure is directed to methods and materials, including kits, for use in treating snakebites, bee stings, spider bites, and other envenomation or exposure to toxins not derived from animals. The methods and materials encompass proteases, which have been found to increase survival and reduce toxic effects, such as temperature loss, and, in experimental animals, death. The proteases have been found to be part of a protective mechanism associated with mast cell degranulation. Preferred proteases include certain proteases found in mast cells, such as chymases (chymotrypsin-like substrate specificity), carboxypeptidase A and tryptases (trypsin-like substrate specificity). Other proteases, such as carboxypeptidase B, chymotrypsin or papain may also be employed. Further provided are kits and dosage forms for convenient and rapid delivery of treatment in case of envenomation. Such dosage forms are based on internal, rather than topical delivery.