Tim Friede, a self-taught herpetologist, has deliberately endured over 200 venomous snake bites and 856 self-injections over 18 years to build immunity.
His unique resistance attracted researchers at Centivax, a Columbia University spinout, who believe his antibodies could revolutionize antivenom.
“The donor… had undertaken hundreds of bites… from 16 species of very lethal snakes,” said Dr. Jacob Glanville. Researchers created a three-part antibody cocktail using Friede’s blood that neutralized venom from 13 of 19 deadly elapid snakes. With added components, protection increased, suggesting potential for a universal antivenom.
“This is a really cool study,” noted Dr. Timothy Jackson of the Australian Venom Research Unit. However, he warned, “we shouldn’t… report it as if it is going to be ‘game-over’ for solving snake-bite.”
Jackson stressed distribution and cost as major barriers in places like Papua New Guinea. The team now seeks funding for manufacturing and clinical development to reach affected rural populations.