A groundbreaking snake antivenom has been developed using the blood of Tim Friede, a man from the United States who spent nearly 20 years voluntarily injecting himself with venom from some of the world’s deadliest snakes. Scientists say the antibodies in his blood have shown unprecedented effectiveness in protecting against fatal venom from a wide variety of snake species in animal tests.
Traditionally, antivenoms are created by injecting venom into animals like horses to produce antibodies, which must be specifically matched to the snake species responsible for the bite. However, Friede's unique case may pave the way for a universal antivenom that works across many species—a potential lifesaver in regions where snakebite kills up to 14,000 people annually and causes thousands of amputations and disabilities.
Friede, a former truck mechanic, endured more than 200 bites and over 700 venom injections from snakes including mambas, cobras, taipans, and kraits. Initially seeking immunity for safer snake handling, he shifted focus after a near-death experience to developing better treatments for snakebite victims worldwide.
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Biotech company Centivax, led by Dr Jacob Glanville, partnered with Friede after identifying his blood as a rare source of broadly neutralizing antibodies—ones that attack common features shared by entire toxin families rather than just individual toxins. Their research, published in Cell, focused on elapid snakes, known for neurotoxic venom that can paralyze and kill by halting breathing.
From Friede’s blood, researchers isolated two powerful antibodies and combined them with a third drug to form an experimental antivenom cocktail. In mouse trials, this cocktail protected against deadly venom from 13 of 19 dangerous snake species and offered partial protection against the rest—an unprecedented achievement.
Work continues to improve the formula and expand coverage to include viper venom, which relies on blood-damaging toxins. Experts believe that within the next decade or so, effective treatments could be available for all major toxin types.
Though further testing is needed before human use, scientists are optimistic. Prof Nick Casewell, a leading figure in snakebite research, called the findings "a strong piece of evidence" supporting a universal approach to antivenom.
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For Friede, reaching this stage brings personal fulfillment. “I’m doing something good for humanity,” he said. “I’m proud of it—it’s pretty cool.”
Source: BBC