RAPID
A New Approach to Snakebite Envenomation Management
The Current Challenge
Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease causing significant mortality and morbidity. The current standard of care has several fundamental limitations.
The Bite
The crisis begins with the bite, often in remote locations far from adequate medical care.
Diagnostic Uncertainty
The biting species is often unknown, forcing clinicians to use broad-spectrum antivenoms which may be ineffective or cause adverse reactions.
Logistical Failures
Antivenom requires a continuous cold chain, complicating its distribution and storage, leading to shortages and spoilage where it’s needed most.
The RAPID System: An Innovative Process
The RAPID strategy offers a holistic, technology-driven solution that intelligently combines human observation with advanced chemical analysis in four pillars.
Pillar 1: On-Site Diagnosis
The process begins at the point of care. A first responder uses a portable diagnostic unit to take a blood sample for immediate analysis.
Pillar 2: Cloud Platform Analysis
Spectral data from the sample is instantly transmitted to a central cloud platform. An algorithm analyzes the venom profile against a vast database to identify the specific toxins.
Pillar 3: Doctor-Authorised Synthesis
At the receiving hospital, a doctor reviews the patient’s data and the proposed peptide cocktail, then authorizes the on-demand synthesis of the personalized treatment.
Pillar 4: Targeted Therapeutic Peptides
The system uses a library of synthetic peptides designed to bind to and neutralize only the specific venom components identified, minimizing side effects and improving efficacy.
Core Technology
The RAPID system is built on three key technological components.
Portable Diagnostic Unit
A field-deployable device with an integrated mass spectrometer for on-the-spot sample analysis.
Cloud Computational Platform
A cloud-based server containing a venom database and a processor to generate a therapeutic directive.
Therapeutic Synthesis Unit
An automated chemical synthesizer at the medical facility to produce the personalized treatment on-demand.