Tim Friede, a former truck mechanic from the US, has spent nearly 20 years injecting himself with venom from some of the world’s deadliest snakes. His goal: to build immunity and contribute to the development of a universal antivenom. Over this period, he has endured more than 200 snakebites and over 700 venom injections from species such as cobras, mambas, taipans, and kraits.
A Personal Risk with Global Impact
Initially, Friede wanted protection while handling snakes and documented his journey on YouTube. However, two cobra bites left him in a coma, prompting him to reconsider his approach. Despite early setbacks, he committed himself to pushing boundaries, saying, “I kept pushing as hard as I could for people who are 8,000 miles away dying from snakebites.”
Limitations of Current Antivenom
Currently, antivenom must be tailored to specific snake species due to the wide variability in venom toxins, even within the same species. This complexity has limited access to effective treatments, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
A Search for Broadly Neutralising Antibodies
In pursuit of a universal solution, researchers began focusing on broadly neutralising antibodies—immune proteins that target common elements across various venom types. Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of biotech firm Centivax, saw potential in Friede’s unique immunity and reached out for a collaboration. Ethical approval was granted to study his blood, avoiding further venom injections.
Developing a Broad-Spectrum Antivenom
The team concentrated on elapid snakes, known for neurotoxic venom that paralyzes and can stop breathing. They examined venom from 19 of the deadliest elapid species, as identified by the WHO. Researchers isolated two broadly neutralising antibodies from Friede’s blood and added a third drug to complete the antivenom cocktail.
Promising Results in Animal Testing
The new antivenom provided full protection against venom from 13 of the 19 elapid species in mouse models, with partial protection against the rest. Dr. Glanville described the results as having “unparalleled” breadth, covering many elapids for which no current antivenom exists.
Ongoing Research and Future Outlook
As reported by bbc, the team now aims to enhance the cocktail further, potentially adding a fourth component for total elapid coverage. They also hope to develop complementary solutions for viper venom, which relies more on haemotoxins. According to Prof. Peter Kwong of Columbia University, “In the next 10 or 15 years, we may have effective solutions against all major toxin classes.”
Broader Implications and Expert Opinions
Prof. Nick Casewell from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine called the findings “certainly novel” and a significant step forward. However, he cautioned that the antivenom still requires rigorous testing before it can be used in humans.
A Legacy of Sacrifice and Hope
For Tim Friede, seeing his efforts contribute to global health advancements brings a sense of pride. “I’m doing something good for humanity, and that was very important to me,” he said. “I’m proud of it. It’s pretty cool.”
This pioneering research offers a hopeful future in the fight against snakebite fatalities, potentially transforming snakebite treatment for millions around the world.