The WHO workshop was organized by the Vaccines and Immunization Devices (VAX) team of the Prequalification Unit (PQT) in the Department of Regulation and Prequalification (RPQ) with the focus on risk-benefit assessment of snake antivenom immunoglobulin products for use in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.

RVSRI, a leading manufacturer of antivenom immunoglobulin products in the Middle East, was invited to attend the above-mentioned briefing workshop. Dr. Abbas Zare Mirakabadi, Dr. Ali Rezaei Mokarram, Dr. Majid Tebianian, Dr. Hamidreza Ferdousi, and Ms. Zahra Negarin Mozaffarian attended the workshop, accordingly.

Dr. Zare Mirakabadi emphasized the impact of the workshop: "Our participation in the WHO workshop provided invaluable knowledge regarding the intricacies of risk-benefit assessment. We are now leveraging these insights to strengthen our self-inspection procedures, meticulously identify potential shortcomings, and further optimize the production processes of our life-saving antivenoms."

Dr. Rainak Ghaderi, Head of the Academic Relations and International Affairs office at RVSRI, highlighted the Institute's commitment to WHO prequalification. "In alignment with the WHO guidelines, we have initiated comprehensive activities, including rigorous sample testing at authorized laboratories, to meticulously prepare for the registration of our antivenom products”.

Beyond aligning with global standards, the seminar also gave all of the stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback and comments on the current WHO Guidelines for the Production, Control and Regulation of Snake Antivenom Immunoglobulins and contribute to improvements in the next edition that is planned for ECBS submission in 2025. 

This proactive engagement with WHO's frameworks highlights RVSRI's commitment to producing safe, effective, and accessible antivenom treatments, significantly contributing to global efforts to reduce snakebite-related morbidity and mortality. The meticulous implementation of refined methodologies promises to enhance the institute’s production, aligning it with the most stringent international standards and solidifying its role as a key provider of these essential medical products.