The person bitten by a snake 200 times: Whose blood is being used to make the 'best antivenom'

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – Every year, around 140,000 people worldwide lose their lives due to snakebites, and approximately 500,000 suffer amputations or permanent disabilities. However, scientists are now close to a historic breakthrough — at the center of which is former truck mechanic Tim Friede, who has been bitten by venomous snakes 200 times over 20 years.

Remarkable Resistance: Injected Himself with Venom Over 700 Times

Tim Friede has voluntarily injected himself with venom from some of the world’s deadliest snakes — including mambas, cobras, taipans, and kraits — more than 700 times. He initially began this practice to build immunity to snakebites but later turned it into a mission to develop a life-saving treatment for humanity.

His Blood Became the Basis for a Broad-Spectrum Antivenom

The antibodies developed in Friede’s blood have shown strong immune responses against snake venom. Scientists are now using these antibodies to create an antivenom capable of neutralizing venom from all types of elapid snakes, which include cobras, mambas, taipans, and kraits.

Successful Lab Testing

In laboratory testing, antivenom made using antibodies from Friede’s blood provided protection against the venom of 13 out of 19 snake species tested on mice. Partial protection was observed against the remaining six types. Scientists are now working to develop medicine that can combat a fourth category of venom.

The Beginning of a New Era?

Current antivenoms are usually produced by injecting venom into animals like horses, which then produce antibodies. However, because venom composition can vary even among snakes of the same species, existing antivenoms are not always effective. Friede’s broad-spectrum antibodies could potentially solve this problem.

Scientific Optimism, with Caution

Professor Nick Casewell of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine says, “This is a very promising study, but a lot more testing is still required.” According to Professor Peter Kwong of Columbia University, “In the next 10 to 15 years, we may have effective treatments against all types of venom.”

An Inspirational Story

Friede says, “I didn’t want to die, I didn’t want to lose my fingers — but I wanted to do something good for humanity. That was my motivation.”
Today, his blood has become an invaluable resource for scientists. “I’m proud that my small effort could help save millions of lives,” he adds.