Survivor of 200 Snake Bites Contributes to Development of New Antivenom

In a groundbreaking initiative that could revolutionize treatment for snake bites, a man who has intentionally subjected himself to 200 snake bites is being recognized for his contribution to medical science. Tim Friede, a 57-year-old resident of Wisconsin, has dedicated nearly two decades to building immunity against snake venom through self-experimentation.

His research aims to address a significant global health challenge, as an estimated 2.7 million people worldwide suffer snake bites each year, leading to approximately 120,000 fatalities and 400,000 injuries, according to reports.

In a compelling demonstration of his commitment, Friede has been filmed allowing venomous snakes, including a black mamba and a taipan, to bite him while he remains remarkably composed. The video showcases his resilience, even as he bleeds from multiple bites, expressing gratitude for the attention his work is receiving.

Recent studies have identified two potent antibodies in Friede's blood that, when paired with a medication known as varespladib, have shown effectiveness in protecting mice against venom from 19 different snake species. This development represents a significant advancement, as traditional antivenoms are typically effective against only a limited number of closely related species.

Friede expressed a sense of pride in contributing to a cause that may aid individuals far beyond his immediate reach. His journey began in the early 2000s when he experimented with venom from various snakes, occasionally housing up to 60 of them in his home. A near-fatal incident in 2001, after being bitten by two cobras, prompted him to refine his methods and prioritize safety in his research.

Jacob Glanville, the founder of Centivax, a vaccine development company, and the lead researcher of the study published in the journal Cell, met Friede in 2017. Together with Peter Kwong from Columbia University, Glanville's team was able to isolate the antibodies and conduct successful tests in mice.

One of the antibodies demonstrated protection against six distinct snake species. When combined with another antibody, the treatment provided defense against 13 venom types and partial protection against six additional species. Nicholas Casewell, a researcher from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, noted that combinations of such antitoxins could potentially neutralize venoms from multiple species.

Traditional methods of creating antivenom involve injecting animals like horses or sheep with venom, then harvesting the antibodies produced in response. However, this approach is increasingly seen as outdated, often leading to limited effectiveness and potential allergic reactions in recipients.

The emerging strategy focuses on synthesizing human-derived antibodies in conjunction with drugs like varespladib to provide broader protection against a variety of snake venoms while minimizing adverse effects.

Future research aims to assess the efficacy of this treatment on dogs that have been bitten by snakes in Australia, where some of the world's most lethal serpents reside.

Friede has indicated that he has moved on from his days of personal experimentation, with his last intentional bite occurring in 2018. He acknowledges a longing for his former companions but states he is content with the progress made so far, leaving the door open for possible future endeavors in snake research.