To make this new antivenom, the researchers used E. coli bacteria to produce the first 11 amino acids of the protein previously known to keep opossums immune to snake venom. They then used a protease to cleave off the single desired peptide at the end of the chain. Though the researchers have to refine their process before making the antivenom commercially available, they estimate that it won't cost more than $1 per dose, significantly less expensive than other antivenom on the market (typically $100 per dose). The scientist spearheading the research, Claire Komives of San Jose State University, is currently conducting a crowdfunding campaign to fund the continued development of the antivenom.