Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (Crofab)

Background

The original Antivenin Crotalidae Polyvalent (ACP)^[1] was manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceutical for use in the US but due to severe delayed allergic reactions was discontinued. The FDA in 200 approved Crofab, an antivenom derived from sheep serum^[2] The antibodies bind and neutralize venom components.

Synthesis and Production

Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (Crofab) is produced from sheep serum after inoculation with venom from:

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamants)
Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atria)
Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus).
Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

The Fc portion of the antibody is eliminated after mixture with papain and subsequent purification.

References

↑ Howland MA, Smilkstein MJ. Primer on immunology with applications to toxicology. Contemp Manage Crit Care. 1991;1:109–145.
↑ Ruha AM et al: Initial postmarketing experience with crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab for treatment of rattlesnake envenomation. Ann Emerg Med. 2002;39:609–615.

Authors:

[1] Howland MA, Smilkstein MJ. Primer on immunology with applications to toxicology. Contemp Manage Crit Care. 1991;1:109–145.

[2] Ruha AM et al: Initial postmarketing experience with crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab for treatment of rattlesnake envenomation. Ann Emerg Med. 2002;39:609–615.

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