Use of SPLA2 inhibitors to treat envenomation by snakes and wasps

Abstract

This disclosure provides medicaments and methods for treating envenomation using small molecule inhibitors of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). The sPLA2 inhibitor AZD2716 and related compounds can be used as monotherapy. Alternatively, the sPLA2 inhibitor varespladib and/or methyl varespladib can be used in combination with a statin. When a subject has been envenomed (for example, by a snake bite or bee sting), the medicaments can be administered to prevent lethal effects or tissues damage cause by the venom: for example, acute kidney injury, mast cell degranulation, or cerebral edema. The medicaments may be contained in an automatic injection device or an injection pen to deliver an effective dose as soon as possible following envenomation.

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