In a groundbreaking development for snakebite treatment, scientists have created an "unparalleled" antivenom from the blood of Tim Friede, a U.S. man who has deliberately injected himself with snake venom for nearly two decades. This innovative approach could pave the way for a universal antivenom capable of protecting against a wide range of venomous snakes, a crucial advancement given that snakebites kill up to 140,000 people annually and leave three times as many facing amputations or permanent disabilities.
Tim Friede, a California-based individual, began his extraordinary journey in 2001. Over 18 years, he has willingly endured more than 200 snake bites and over 700 injections of venom from some of the world’s deadliest snakes, including black mambas, cobras, taipans, and kraits. Initially, his goal was to build immunity to protect himself while handling snakes, but his mission evolved into a quest to develop better therapies for snakebite victims worldwide.
Reflecting on his risky endeavor, Friede recalls a particularly harrowing experience where two cobra bites in quick succession left him in a coma for four days. "I didn’t want to die. I didn’t want to lose a finger. I didn’t want to miss work," he told the BBC. His determination to help others has been a driving force throughout his journey, as he explained, "It just became a lifestyle, and I just kept pushing... for the people who are 8,000 miles away from me who die from snakebite."
The traditional method of producing antivenom involves injecting small doses of snake venom into animals, such as horses, whose immune systems then produce antibodies. These antibodies are harvested and used as antivenom. However, this process has significant limitations, as antivenom must be closely matched to the specific species of snake. For example, antivenom made from snakes in India may not be effective against the same species in Sri Lanka.
In an effort to create a more effective solution, Dr. Jacob Glanville, the CEO of the biotech company Centivax, sought out Friede after learning about him through media reports in 2017. "I said, I know it’s awkward, but I’m really interested in looking at some of your blood," Glanville recounted. Friede responded enthusiastically, stating, "Finally, I’ve been waiting for this call."
After Friede donated a 40-milliliter blood sample, researchers, including Glanville and Professor Peter Kwong from Columbia University, began analyzing the antibodies present in his blood. They identified two broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of targeting two classes of neurotoxin, which are primarily used by elapid snakes such as mambas and cobras. They also added a drug that targets a third class of neurotoxin, resulting in a cocktail that provided mice with complete protection against 13 of the 19 species of venomous snakes tested, with partial protection against the remaining six.
"Tim’s antibodies are really quite extraordinary - he taught his immune system to get this very, very broad recognition," said Prof. Kwong. This breadth of protection is considered "unparalleled" in the field of snakebite research, as it offers a promising avenue toward developing a universal antivenom.
Despite the encouraging results, experts caution that there is still much work to do before this antivenom can be used in humans. Prof. Nick Casewell, head of the Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, emphasized that while the findings are exciting, extensive testing is still required.
Every year, venomous snake bites claim the lives of tens of thousands globally and cause permanent disabilities in hundreds of thousands more, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to effective treatment is limited. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the health risks associated with snakebites vary significantly depending on the region and the types of snakes present. In some areas, neurotoxic venoms can cause paralysis, while others may affect blood clotting.
Glanville and his team are now focused on refining the antibodies further, with hopes of developing a single antivenom that can effectively treat bites from both elapids and vipers, the latter of which rely more on hemotoxins that attack the blood. "In the next 10 or 15 years, we’ll have something effective against each one of those toxin classes," predicted Prof. Kwong.
For Friede, the progress made thus far is immensely gratifying. "I’m doing something good for humanity, and that was very important to me. I’m proud of it. It’s pretty cool," he expressed. After years of self-experimentation, he has now transitioned to a role at Centivax, where he continues to contribute to the research.
As the team prepares for further testing, they are also looking to secure funding for clinical trials to ensure that the resulting antivenom is both effective and affordable for those in need. Glanville estimates that the market for antivenom is around $600 million per year, which is currently divided among various products. A universal antivenom could revolutionize treatment for snakebites and significantly reduce the number of fatalities and disabilities caused by these incidents.
In the meantime, Friede reflects on his unique journey. Although it has been several years since he last allowed himself to be bitten, he admits to missing the adrenaline rush associated with his past experiences. "To know you can beat that and keep your calm and keep your cool, it’s a wonderful thing," he said.
This remarkable story not only highlights the potential for innovative medical breakthroughs but also serves as a testament to the lengths individuals will go to in the name of science and humanitarian efforts.
