- Tim Friede, who self-injected snake venom for 18 years, developed antibodies protecting against multiple deadly species
- His blood contains "broadly neutralising antibodies" now being studied by biotech firm Centivax
- Researchers hope to develop a universal or dual antivenom, addressing the global burden of snakebites
Antibodies discovered in Tim Friede’s blood have shown the potential to protect animals from lethal doses of venom from a wide variety of snake species, marking a promising step toward developing a universal antivenom.
Current antivenoms must be matched specifically to the type of snake responsible for a bite, but Friede’s two-decade-long self-immunisation journey could pave the way for a single treatment effective against all snakebites—an affliction that kills up to 140,000 people annually and leaves many others with amputations or lifelong disabilities.
Over the past 18 years, Friede has subjected himself to more than 200 snakebites and over 700 injections of venom from some of the world’s most dangerous snakes, including cobras, mambas, taipans, and kraits. Initially, his goal was to develop personal immunity for safety while handling snakes, which he documented on YouTube. However, a close brush with death after two cobra bites put him in a coma and changed his perspective.
“I didn’t want to die, lose a finger, or miss work,” Friede told the BBC. His mission evolved into a humanitarian one: creating better treatments for people in developing regions where snakebite fatalities are common. “It became a lifestyle. I kept pushing for the people who are 8,000 miles away from me who die from snakebite,” he said.
Traditional antivenom is produced by injecting animals, typically horses, with small amounts of venom and harvesting the resulting antibodies. However, since venom varies significantly between species—and even within the same species depending on region—antivenoms must be highly specific.
Researchers have recently begun looking for broadly neutralising antibodies—immune responses that can target shared components across different venom toxins. Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of biotech firm Centivax, believed Friede might possess these rare antibodies. “The moment I heard about him, I thought, ‘If anyone has developed these, it’s him,’” Glanville said. “So I called and asked for his blood.”
Friede agreed, and the ethically approved study focused solely on blood samples. The goal is now to refine the antibodies further and possibly develop a combination therapy that could offer broad protection against elapid venom, which affects the nervous system. A separate class of snakes, vipers, use haemotoxins that damage blood, and researchers hope to eventually cover all major venom toxin types—around a dozen in total, including cell-killing cytotoxins.
Columbia University’s Prof. Peter Kwong said, “Tim’s antibodies are extraordinary—he trained his immune system to recognise a wide range of toxins.” The ultimate aim is to create a universal antivenom or two broad-spectrum injections: one for elapids and one for vipers.
Prof. Nick Casewell, head of the Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions in Liverpool, called the breadth of protection demonstrated “novel” and “a strong piece of evidence” that a universal antivenom is possible. Still, he warned that much testing lies ahead before it can be used in humans.
For Friede, reaching this point is a personal triumph. “It makes me feel good,” he said. “I’m doing something that matters. I’m proud of it—it’s pretty cool.”
