In an unusual turn of events, Tim Friede, a snake enthusiast from Wisconsin, has willingly subjected himself to hundreds of snake bites in pursuit of creating a better treatment for snake bites. Fascinated by reptiles and venomous creatures, Friede experimented with injecting himself with small doses of snake venom to build up tolerance. His daring pursuits, documented on his YouTube channel, led to his body developing unique antibodies over nearly two decades.
Recognizing the potential of Friede’s extraordinary blood, scientists at Columbia University conducted a study published in the journal Cell. They identified two antibodies in Friede’s blood that can neutralize venom from various snake species. This groundbreaking research aims to develop a treatment that could provide broad protection against snakebites, a significant global health issue causing around 110,000 deaths annually.
While the research is in its early stages and has only been tested in mice so far, the potential for a more effective and universal antivenom is promising. Friede, now working with Centivax, a company focused on developing the treatment, is hopeful that his daring journey could lead to a significant breakthrough in snakebite treatment.
To prevent deaths from snakebites, his advice for those considering a similar path is straightforward: “Do not pursue it,” he stated.___Funding for The Associated Press Health and Science Department comes from the Science and Educational Media Group at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is accountable for all published material.
