The use of snake venom-derived compounds for new functional diagnostic test kits in the field of haemostasis

Abstract

Pentapharm Ltd. has a long tradition of producing and proceeding snake venom components as APIs and tools in pharmaceutical and diagnostic applications, beginning with the snake venom-derived product Reptilase® about 60 years ago. In recent years diagnostic test kits in the field of haemostasis have been developed, like Pefakit® APC-R Factor V Leiden and Pefakit® PiCT®, which make use of one or more snake venom compounds as key reactants. The venom-derived compounds are responsible for many outstanding properties of these tests and account for their top ranking performance qualities confirmed in non-clinical and clinical studies. Both tests are on the market in Europe. Pefakit® APC-R Factor V Leiden is also marketed in the US since January 2005. Research on snake venom-derived compounds for diagnostic and pharmaceutical use is ongoing. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG.