Saturday, March 29, 2025
Scientists have achieved a universal snakebite antivenom breakthrough using the blood of a man who deliberately exposed himself to venom for nearly two decades. Tim Friede, a former truck mechanic from the US, allowed over 200 snake bites and injected himself more than 700 times with venom from snakes like black mambas, cobras, and taipans.
This dedication has now led to the development of an experimental antivenom that may offer protection against a broad range of deadly elapid snakes. Unlike current treatments that require a species-specific match, this breakthrough promises cross-species protection.
Each year, snakebites cause around 140,000 deaths globally. They also leave nearly half a million people disabled or facing amputation. Originally, Friede wanted to build immunity for personal safety while handling snakes. However, a near-death experience after two cobra bites shifted his focus.
“I didn’t want to die or lose a finger. I didn’t want to miss work,” he said. That moment changed everything.
Eventually, his goal evolved into helping snakebite victims worldwide. “I kept pushing for people thousands of miles away who are dying from snakebites,” he explained.
Traditionally, scientists produce antivenom by injecting animals with small amounts of venom. Their immune systems generate antibodies, which are then harvested for treatment. However, these treatments work only when matched precisely to the venom source.
Even snakes from the same species but different regions can render antivenoms ineffective. This limitation prompted scientists to look for a better solution.
Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of biotech firm Centivax, believed Friede’s blood could hold the key. “If anyone had developed broadly neutralizing antibodies, it was going to be him,” he said. After contacting Friede, the team secured ethical approval to analyze his blood.
Researchers targeted 19 elapid snake species identified by the World Health Organization as highly dangerous. They identified two broadly neutralizing antibodies in Friede’s blood. These antibodies target common parts of neurotoxins instead of species-specific features. A third compound was added to enhance the antivenom’s coverage.
In mouse trials, the new antivenom protected against lethal doses from 13 of the 19 snake species. It also offered partial protection against the remaining six. According to Dr. Glanville, this level of protection is “unparalleled” and includes coverage for species with no current antivenom.
Researchers now aim to refine the formula. They hope adding a fourth compound could provide full protection against elapid venom. Work is also underway to develop treatments for vipers, which use blood-attacking haemotoxins rather than neurotoxins.
“There are roughly a dozen major toxin classes,” said Prof. Peter Kwong of Columbia University. “We could have effective treatments for all of them within 10 to 15 years.”
Although the antivenom still requires further testing, experts believe this research marks a major step forward. Prof. Nick Casewell from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine praised the findings as “a strong piece of evidence” supporting a universal antivenom approach.
For Friede, the recognition feels rewarding. “I’m doing something that could help humanity. That means everything to me,” he said.
