Extensive Snakebites by Man Could Lead to Breakthrough in Antivenom Development

Tim Friede, a 57-year-old from Wisconsin, has intentionally endured hundreds of snakebites over nearly two decades as part of a groundbreaking scientific project. By allowing some of the world's most dangerous snakes, including black mambas and taipans, to bite him, Friede has been working to develop a more effective and broad-spectrum antivenom. His unconventional approach focuses on building immunity by injecting himself with snake venom, which has resulted in his blood containing potent antibodies.

This bold experiment has significant potential for global health. Annually, up to 2.7 million people suffer from snakebites worldwide, leading to approximately 120,000 deaths and 400,000 injuries. Current antivenoms are often limited in scope, typically designed to counter specific snake species, and can cause severe allergic reactions.

Recent research has identified two powerful human antibodies in Friede’s blood that, when combined with a drug called varespladib, successfully protected mice from the venom of 19 different snake species. This represents a major advancement, suggesting the possibility of a universal antivenom—an antidote effective against multiple snake types. Unlike traditional antivenoms produced by injecting animals with venom and harvesting their antibodies, these human-made antibodies could reduce side effects and increase effectiveness.

Leading scientists, including Jacob Glanville and Peter Kwong, have tested these antibodies in animal models, with promising results showing protection across various snake species, including six protected by a single antibody and thirteen with a combination. Researchers are now planning to test this approach in dogs bitten by snakes in Australia, which is home to some of the world's deadliest snakes.

Friede’s last bite was in 2018, and he has expressed a sense of closure, though he remains open to future involvement. His work not only pushes the boundaries of medical science but also offers hope for safer, more effective treatments for snakebite victims worldwide.

For more details, refer to the study published in Cell, titled "Snake venom protection by a cocktail of varespladib and broadly neutralizing human antibodies". Source: medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-bitten-snakes-antivenom.