Johannesburg – The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), through its South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) subsidiary, announces the successful resumption of antivenom production at its newly renovated manufacturing facility. The NHLS resumed production two weeks ago, releasing the first batch of 536 units of polyvalent antivenom.
Furthermore, new batches are already in production, ensuring that supply will gradually improve in the coming months. The various stages of manufacturing, along with their estimated release timelines, are outlined below:
▪ Polyvalent Antivenom – Expected release: Early November 2025
▪ Scorpion Antivenom – Expected release: Early November 2025
▪ Spider Antivenom – Expected release: End of November 2025
▪ Boomslang Antivenom – Expected release: End of November 2025
The production of antivenom is a complex and time-intensive process that requires extensive in-process inspections to ensure the safety, quality, and effectiveness of every vial produced.
This marks an important step in restoring the local supply of lifesaving antivenom, critical for the treatment of snake, spider, and scorpion envenomation.
ENDS
For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Mzi Gcukumana
Senior Communications Manager
Tel: 011 386 6008 | Cell: 066 376 3171
mzimasi.gcukumana@nhls.ac.za