The Croatian Government has approved a project for the construction of a plant for the production of European Viper Venom Antiserum (Equine), which will be built in the Rugvica-North industrial zone, Rugvica Municipality.
European Viper Venom Antiserum (Equine) produced by Institute of Immunology was used only for treatment after bites by snakes from the family Viperidae (genus Vipera). The polyvalent antivenom (antivenin) neutralized the absorbed snake venom. Due to its capacity to protect against the venom of as many as five species of vipers (V. ammodytes, V. berus, V. aspis, V. xanthina and V. lebetina), this product was unique in the world.
The use of our European Viper Venom Antiserum (Equine) was the best guarantee of safety and protection of people and animals from the snake – bite envenoming of bites by these European venomous snakes.
Three species of venomous snakes live in the Republic of Croatia – the viper, the red viper and the mountain yellow ring.
If a venomous snake bite is suspected, it is important to avoid even the slightest movement, and the arm or leg with the bite wound should be immobilized. It is best to tie the bitten limb with medium pressure about five to ten centimeters above the bite site to stop the poison (venom) and lymphatic circulation, and to slow the spread of the poison (venom) in the body. It is important not to tie it too tightly so as not to stop the arterial circulation. Urgent transportation of the bitten person or animal to the nearest health facility is necessary. The use of European Viper Venom Antiserum (Equine) is an indispensable means of therapy because it prevents the development of severe clinical symptoms of poisoning, which, in some cases, can be fatal.
Due to its capacity to protect against the venom of as many as five species of vipers that inhabit the area of Central Europe and Asia Minor, this product was unique in the world. The Institute of Immunology is the marketing authorization holder of this biological medicinal product, and so the revitalization of this production is of strategic importance for the Republic of Croatia.
European Viper Venom Antiserum (Equine) is used only for the treatment of humans and animals after bites by snakes from the family of vipers (Viperidae), genus Vipera.