Madison, Wisconsin — A unique journey into the realm of snake venom has positioned a U.S. man as a pivotal figure in the quest for a universal antivenom. Tim Friede, who spent nearly two decades intentionally exposing himself to the venom from some of the deadliest snakes, became a living laboratory for scientific exploration. His blood contains antibodies that may open doors to breakthroughs in treating snakebites, which annually claim about 14,000 lives globally and leave many others with debilitating injuries.
Friede’s saga began as an attempt to build immunity for personal safety while handling snakes, with his adventures documented online. However, his early miscalculations led to life-threatening encounters, including a coma induced by cobra bites. “I didn’t want to die or risk losing fingers,” Friede recalled.
Driven by a desire to improve treatments for snakebite victims worldwide, he pushed the limits of his own safety. “It became a lifestyle,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to those who suffer from snakebites far from his home. Current antivenom methods involve injecting animals, typically horses, with snake venom, prompting their immune systems to produce specific antibodies. However, this approach has significant limitations due to the vast diversity in snake venoms; even antivenom from a single species is not universally effective.
Researchers, led by Dr. Jacob Glanville of Centivax, have been focusing on broadly neutralizing antibodies — those capable of targeting common elements shared by various snake venoms. Upon discovering Friede and his unique blood composition, Glanville sought to collaborate, asking, “I’d love to get my hands on some of your blood.” Ethical approval was granted for blood collection during the study.
The researchers specifically examined elapids, a family of venomous snakes that includes cobras, mambas, and kraits, known for their neurotoxic venoms. They identified 19 elapid species recognized by the World Health Organization as particularly dangerous. Analysis of Friede’s blood led to the discovery of two distinct broadly neutralizing antibodies effective against two groups of neurotoxins, while a third drug was included in the antigen cocktail.
Animal testing revealed that this antibody combination significantly protected mice against lethal doses from 13 of the 19 tested species, with partial defense against the others. Dr. Glanville described this as an unprecedented degree of protection against elapid bites, potentially addressing a gap in available antivenoms.
The ongoing research aims to refine these antibodies further and explore the possibility of complete protection by incorporating a fourth element. The challenge is formidable, as not all snakes belong to the elapid family; vipers use different types of toxins that target blood. Experts forecast that within the next decade or so, treatments may emerge to combat a wider variety of snake venoms.
“Tim’s antibodies are remarkable,” said Professor Peter Kwong from Columbia University. “He has trained his immune system for broad recognition of toxins.” The end goal is an antivenom that could eitherserve multiple snake species or streamline treatment into one injection for elapids and another for vipers.
Professor Nick Casewell, who leads research at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, highlighted the significant advancements being made and acknowledged that while the findings are promising, further rigorous testing is necessary before these treatments can move to human application.
For Friede, the progress made in the field brings a sense of fulfillment. “Knowing I’m contributing to something beneficial for humanity is immensely rewarding,” he stated, expressing pride in the potential impact of his unique journey.