Tim Friede, a man from Wisconsin, has allowed himself to be bitten by snakes around 200 times and injected with calibrated doses of venom to build immunity against 16 deadly snake species. His blood has been found to contain antibodies that can neutralize venom from multiple snake species, potentially paving the way for a universal antivenom. This research, led by Jacob Glanville and published in the journal Cell, could address the dire global health issue posed by venomous snakebites, which kill and injure hundreds of thousands annually. Despite the risks and personal costs, including a coma and a divorce, Friede's contributions may revolutionize antivenom treatment, which has not significantly advanced in over a century. The study's promising results suggest that a combination of antibodies and other drugs could offer broad protection against various snake venoms, with further testing planned in Australia on dogs with snakebites.

Tim Friede spent nearly 18 years building immunity against snake venom by allowing himself to be bitten about 200 times and injecting himself with escalating doses of venom from 16 deadly snake species.

Scientists have identified antibodies in Friede's blood that can neutralize venom from multiple snake species, marking a significant step towards developing a universal antivenom that could save many lives worldwide.

Jacob Glanville and his team discovered that combining antibodies from Friede's blood with a drug blocking neurotoxins protected mice from the venom of 19 snake species, a feat not achieved by existing antivenoms.

The current method of producing antivenom, which involves injecting venom into mammals and harvesting antibodies, is outdated and can cause severe allergic reactions, prompting the need for new approaches like those suggested by this research.

Friede's personal journey began with a fascination with snakes, leading to dangerous experiments that included surviving a coma after multiple bites, ultimately contributing to important scientific advancements despite personal sacrifices.

Antivenom research has lagged behind the growing threat of snakebites exacerbated by factors like deforestation and climate change, making the findings from this study crucial for global health.

Future steps include testing the new treatment approach in veterinary settings in Australia and exploring additional components to extend protection to more snake species, potentially using Friede's blood once more.