Tim Friede, a self-taught snake expert, exposed himself to snake venom for nearly 18 years, building immunity to several neurotoxins and donating his blood for antivenom research. This led to the development of a new antivenom that protects against bites from 19 snake species, utilizing antibodies from Friede's blood combined with the drug varespladib. The traditional method of producing antivenom involves milking venom and using animals to generate antibodies, a process prone to errors and side effects. The new approach is potentially revolutionary, offering protection with fewer side effects due to its human-derived antibodies. The research, while promising for treating elapid snake bites, is still under development to address viperid snakes, with hopes for future clinical applications.

Tim Friede developed immunity to numerous snake venoms by exposing himself to snake bites and injections over nearly two decades, allowing scientists to leverage his antibodies for antivenom research.

The new antivenom uses two antibodies from Friede's blood and the drug varespladib to protect against 19 snake species, a significant advancement over traditional antivenoms derived from animal antibodies.

Traditional antivenom production involves injecting animals with venom to produce antibodies, a method that can lead to serious side effects and requires improvements to address the high global incidence of snakebite-related fatalities and disabilities.

The research team, led by Jacob Glanville, published their findings on the new antivenom in the journal Cell, demonstrating its effectiveness in mice with 100% protection against 13 snake species.

The innovative approach of combining antibodies with a small-molecule drug like varespladib could change snakebite treatment, potentially reducing allergic reactions common with animal-derived antivenoms.

The research initially focuses on elapid snakes, with ongoing investigations to extend protection to viperid snakes, aiming for a comprehensive antivenom solution.

Future steps include clinical trials and field research, particularly in regions with elapid snakes, to explore the antivenom's application on humans and animals like dogs.