Venomous scorpions in the United States are mostly found in Arizona and amongst the 56 scorpion species identified only the bark scorpion (Centruroides Scorpion) has a sting that can cause medical problems. In Phoenix metro area alone between 3000 - 4000 people report being stung by scorpion each year.

Severe Scorpion stings usually affect children and infants the most causing; rapid, jittery eye movements, increased salivation and blurred vision. Adults have slurred speech, muscle twitching and respiratory problems.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Anascorp, first treatment for scorpion sting by Centruroides scorpions also known as the bark scorpion in the United States

“This product provides a new treatment for children and adults and is designed specifically for scorpion stings,” said Karen Midthun, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Scorpion stings can be life-threatening, especially in infants and children.”

The effectiveness of Anascorp was based on results from studies in children with neurological signs of scorpion stings. Symptoms of scorpion stings resolved within four hours after the treatment was given.

The most common side effects were vomiting, fever, rash, nausea, itchiness, headache, runny nose, and muscle pain. In total, safety and efficacy data was collected from 1,534 patients in both open-label and blinded studies.