Crotalus atrox antivenin is a mixture of antibodies used to treat venomous snake bites from Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondback rattlesnake). Each year it is estimated there are 45,000 snakebites in the US and 300,000 to 400,000 bites worldwide.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 2 references
CROFAB consists of venom-specific Fab fragments of immunoglobulin G (IgG) that work by binding to and neutralizing venom toxins, facilitating their redistribution away from target tissues and their elimination from the body.
CROFAB contains only the Fab fragments from ovine-derived immunoglobulins. The enzyme papain is used to cleave the IgG antibody, creating 2 separate Fab fragments and 1 Fc fragment. After the cleavage step, another protein binds to the Fc fragments, which are not essential for binding snake venom, allowing the pure Fab fragments to be recovered.The Fab fragments of an immunoglobulin contain the variable regions that recognize and bind to specific antigens.
- Primary indication
- CROFAB is indicated for the management of adult and pediatric patients with North American crotalid envenomation.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- First approval
- United States, 2000
- Also known as
- Crotalus atrox immune fab antivenin (ovine)
- Brand names
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of April 02, 2025
Which other approved drugs treat the same conditions as Crotalus atrox antivenin, and which companies have late-stage candidates in those indications?
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