Venoms are complex, dynamic mixtures shaped by evolutionary history and ecological pressures, offering both a rich resource for drug discovery and a formidable challenge for snakebite treatment. This talk will explore our work on understudied and previously unstudied Indian venomous lineages, highlighting the diversity that remains hidden within these neglected groups. I will discuss how venom composition and activity vary across developmental stages, between sexes, among geographically distinct populations, and among individuals within the same population, and why these differences matter.
Our investigations have uncovered promising molecular leads with potential for drug discovery, underscoring the value of exploring venom diversity beyond a handful of well-studied species. However, the same variation that creates opportunities for therapeutic discovery also contributes to differences in envenoming pathology and complicates effective treatment. I will conclude by highlighting our efforts to translate an understanding of venom variation into improved therapies through the discovery of monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors. Together, these approaches seek to harness the therapeutic potential of venoms while addressing the challenges they pose to human health.