David K - 8-11-2011 at 08:28 AM
Mexico serum takes sting out of U.S. scorpion nips
05 August 2011 | 11:39:44 AM | Source: Reuters
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Scorpions sit at the bottom of a bottle of mezcal in a liquor store in Oaxaca November 14, 2007. REUTERS/Stringer
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Scorpions are alternately cherished and feared in parts of northern Mexico, where stings are common and the dead critters
adorn key-chains and ornamental ashtrays.
Now Mexican scientists are bringing to the United States the result of years of experience battling the sometimes-deadly effects of their stings with
a newly approved anti-venom.
The product, sold in the United States under the name Anascorp, was developed by scientists at Mexico's National Autonomous University and the private
Instituto Bioclon.
It was tested at U.S. emergency rooms on more than 500 victims of painful scorpion stings before gaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval on
Wednesday.
The FDA said Anascorp is made from the plasma of horses immunized with scorpion venom and its developers say the antidote is the first Mexican drug to
win approval from U.S. health authorities. Researchers have high hopes that it can save lives in southwestern U.S. states where stings are common.
Scorpions prick an estimated 10,000 Americans each year, mostly in Arizona, and more than 250,000 Mexicans, the serum's developers said. Injections of
Anascorp counteract the stings within two hours by neutralizing the scorpion's poison.
"This is extremely important in the United States and particularly in Arizona where we have the most bites," said scientist Jose Lever, who oversaw
clinical trials for the drug in the United States. "Before this there was no anti-venom and patients had to undergo intensive treatments."
There are more than 1,000 species of scorpion -- about 50 of which are dangerous to humans.
Victims with severe reactions can go into convulsions and choke on their own saliva, according to experts at the University of Arizona. Intensive-care
doctors often have to heavily sedate and intubate them.
(Reporting by Rachel Uranga; Editing by Bill Trott)
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mcfez - 8-11-2011 at 08:34 AM
mcfez
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posted on 8-5-2011 at 05:53 AM Report Post to Administrator
Scorpion anti-venom is first to be approved by FDA
Barry A. - 8-11-2011 at 08:36 AM
Thanks, David--------this is great info. Tho never personally stung (yet), I have come very close several times on the beaches of Baja CA and always
wondered what would happen if stung. Nasty little critters, those scorpions!!!
Barry
grace59 - 8-11-2011 at 08:42 AM
I have seen a few of those little Baja Bark Scorpions around my house in San Felipe? How bad are the effects of their sting? I saw a video on what the
Arizona Bark Scorpion can do to a child (it can kill) and I am wondering if the Baja version is as toxic?
This is the video I saw on the antivenom use in Arizona.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbuGEQs6aSw&playnext=1&am...
[Edited on 8-11-2011 by grace59]
joel - 8-11-2011 at 08:56 AM
Anyone know if you can buy this in pharmacies in Baja and, if so, under what name?
J.P. - 8-11-2011 at 03:37 PM
I steped on one barefooted in my closet it stung me in the ball of my foot. At first I felt a burning sensation then it felt as though I had stepped
on a nail it was sore for a few days but no ill effects. I dont stumble abound in the dark barefoot anymore.
Bajame - 8-11-2011 at 05:13 PM
Didn't know one was on the the bedspread and went to smooth it out and ouch! It stung me on the finger. It stung a lot for a few days and then was
sore for a few more. It was a small one but sure hurt!
marv sherrill - 8-11-2011 at 05:15 PM
Don't know how much credence I'd put into Jose Lever's cure for "Scorpion Bites".....
CortezBlue - 8-11-2011 at 05:49 PM
Nasty Pricks