WHO response to need for quality assured antivenoms
News that one of the most effective treatments for snake bite, Fav-Afrique, will run out in 2016 caused dismay among public health experts and advocates.
About 5 million people are bitten by snakes every year, causing around 125 000 deaths and 400 000 people to be permanently disabled or disfigured. In sub-Saharan Africa, one of the most affected regions, about 30 000 people die from snake bite each year.
First call for manufacturers of antivenoms to submit products for WHO assessment
WHO is accordingly pleased to release the first call for manufacturers of antivenoms to submit applications to WHO for assessment. This first call is specifically for manufacturers of antivenoms intended for use in sub-Saharan Africa.
Submissions received before the end of February 2016 will be included in the first round of joint expert assessment planned for March 2016. Currently, in order to encourage applications from manufacturing companies of all sizes, no submission fees will be levied.
To facilitate assessment planning, manufacturers are asked to indicate their interest in submitting an application by email to:
Products meeting WHO requirements
Antivenoms with a favourable risk‒benefit ratio will be entered into a list on the WHO website, where it can be accessed readily by procurement agencies and other relevant parties.
A WHO prequalification process for antivenoms may be developed if the experience gained in carrying out snake antivenom risk-benefit assessment confirms that this would generate significant public health benefit.