Scientists at the University of Queensland in northeastern Australia are set to begin pre-clinical development of a blood-clotting agent after they isolated a powerful protein coagulant in the venom of the brown snake.

When developed commercially, the product would have surgical and trauma applications in places where open wounds are treated, including doctors' surgeries, emergency rooms, ambulances and military triage.

Although not the most poisonous of Australia's numerous deadly snakes, the brown snake caused the majority of deaths by snakebite in Australia because it is relatively numerous and aggressive when disturbed.

It stops its prey by injecting venom into its victim's bloodstream, creating massive blood clots causing heart attacks or strokes.

Experts say an effective anti-venom was developed for its poison many years ago, but fatal bites still occur occasionally, particularly in isolated areas or where the snake is not positively identified.

Dr Mark Harvey, of the university's technology investment arm UniQuest, said the researchers were looking at ways to develop the protein for external use only, in the form of creams, sprays or bandages.

"What's proposed is that an individual agent will be applied locally to site of injury, so it will never be injected," Harvey said.

"It would be applied at the site of injury, and cause a patch, very much like a hole in a bicycle tube and you put on a rubber patch to the affected area."

With 700,000 dollars (385,000 US) in funding, the university has established HaemPatch, a commercial company aimed at developing the product which could be available within seven years.

jt/pch

Nampa-AFP WEB story ENDS (NAMPA 230533)

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