What did Tim Friede do to create a universal antivenom?

Tim Friede intentionally allowed approximately 200 venomous snakes to bite him over two decades to build immunity and develop antibodies for a universal antivenom.

How effective are Tim Friede's antibodies against snake venom?

Friede's replicated antibodies have shown the ability to neutralize toxins from 19 snake species in the elapid family, according to recent studies.

When will trials for the new antivenom take place?

Clinical trials are scheduled to begin this year with pets in Australia before any potential use in humans.

Home / Science / Man Endures Snakebites for Antivenom Breakthrough

Man Endures Snakebites for Antivenom Breakthrough

20 Apr

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Summary

A Wisconsin man intentionally endured hundreds of snakebites over two decades.
His goal was to develop antibodies for a universal antivenom.
A company is now using his blood to create antivenom for 19 elapid snake species.

Man Endures Snakebites for Antivenom Breakthrough

A Wisconsin man, Tim Friede, dedicated two decades to intentionally exposing himself to hundreds of bites from venomous snakes in a quest to create a universal antivenom. Driven by frustration over rising snakebite deaths, Friede, with no scientific background, spent 20 years building immunity by allowing approximately 200 deadly snakes to bite him. He faced significant personal risk, including near-fatal incidents and a coma, but persisted in his goal.

Friede's efforts eventually gained traction when the company Centivax hired him in 2019 to collect his blood and isolate his antibodies. Recent studies suggest his replicated antibodies can neutralize toxins from 19 snake species within the elapid family. Clinical trials are scheduled to commence with pets in Australia in 2024, with potential human use to follow. Friede hopes his sacrifice will ultimately help those most vulnerable to snakebite envenomation.