What are the Causes of Coastal Taipan Snake Bite? However, before doing so, it may provide warning signs to any approaching intrudersĬoastal Taipan Snake Bites usually take place unintentionally or inadvertently, when individuals come in contact with the very venomous Coastal Taipan snake. Typically, the snake bites only when provoked or threatened. Generally, the coastal taipan is described as being edgy, easily alarmed, and a nervous reptile.The snake may average around 5-6 feet in length, with a long narrow head, slender body, which is generally olive-brown in color with a cream-white belly.It is amongst the most venomous snakes of the world The coastal taipan is a highly venomous and dangerous snake that is mostly found along the northern and eastern coasts of Australia.Failure to obtain prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment may result in severe complications and/or death.Ĭall 911 (within the US) or your local emergency number immediately, if you experienced a Snake Bite. Research into the components of Australian snake venoms is funded by a $1.5 million ARC Linkage grant to UniQuest in collaboration with commercial partner, QRx Pharma.All Coastal Taipan Snake Bites should be evaluated by a trained medical professional, as early as possible. It is hoped a comprehensive study of all the venom components from Australian snakes may yield further novel components that could be targeted as human drugs.ĭr St Pierre's work was co-supervised by Professor Martin Lavin at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. His study is the most detailed ever conducted on the genes responsible for Australian snakes' toxins. "Only the mulga did not have Factor X as it has developed its own unique mechanism of killing."ĭr St Pierre said snake venom was a huge untapped source of potential drug therapies. "They have developed the ability to deliver massive fatal doses of Factor X to specifically target the systems of mammals."ĭr St Pierre studied the venom of the inland and coastal taipan, the common brown, the red bellied black, the mulga, the rough-scaled snake, Stephens banded snake and the tiger snake. "Snakes produce a more stable and faster acting form of Factor X in their venom which is the only source of Factor X other than mammalian livers," he said. "Firstly, venom injection causes massive blood clots instantaneously followed by paralysis as a result of neurotoxins which eventually immobilise and kill the victim."ĭr St Pierre said mammals and snakes naturally produced a small amount of Factor X in their livers. "Australian snakes literally have a two-pronged attack when they bite their prey," Dr St Pierre said.
COASTAL TAIPAN SNAKE PRO
His study focussed on the genes in the coastal taipan's venom that are responsible for the pro coagulant or blood clotting agent called Factor X which could stem blood flow in a matter of seconds.Ī drug lead based on Factor X is being evaluated for clinical trials by bio pharmaceutical development company QRxPharma.
COASTAL TAIPAN SNAKE CODE
The genetic code for the toxin, Factor X (Factor Ten), was identified by PhD researcher Liam St Pierre from QUT's School of Life Sciences who studied the venom of eight of Australia's deadliest land snakes for their therapeutic potential. A blood-clotting protein in taipan venom has been identified by Queensland University of Technology PhD researcher Liam St Pierre to rapidly stop excessive bleeding during vascular surgery and major trauma.
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