(Web Desk) – A self-taught snake expert who’s injected himself with venom over 850 times may have just unlocked the secret to saving countless lives. For over 20 years, the man voluntarily took small, escalating doses of deadly snake venom to build immunity—and now, his blood is being used to create a powerful broad-spectrum antivenom.
His name is Tim Friede, and his collection includes some of the world’s most dangerous snakes—eastern brown snakes, taipans, tiger snakes, and more. Despite being bitten over 200 times, Friede is alive—and now his body may be the key to curing snakebite victims globally.
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Researchers at Centivax, a biotech firm from Columbia University, say Friede’s unique immune system has developed rare, broadly neutralizing antibodies—the kind that can neutralize venom from multiple species.
“What’s remarkable is that Friede didn’t just survive deadly venom—his body fought it and adapted,” said Dr. Jacob Glanville, lead researcher at Centivax. “His immune response could be the foundation of a universal antivenom.”
Using blood samples from Friede, the research team created a cocktail of antibodies tested against venom from 19 of the world’s most dangerous snakes—including cobras, mambas, kraits, and coral snakes. Early results are promising: the antivenom protected mice from lethal doses of venom across multiple species.This innovative breakthrough could revolutionize treatment in snakebite-prone regions where access to species-specific antivenoms is limited. With millions at risk of venomous bites each year, a single universal cure could save tens of thousands of lives.
