'Unparalleled' snake antivenom made from man bitten 200 times
Summary
A man named Tim Friede has injected himself with snake venom for almost 20 years, which has produced extraordinary antibodies in his blood. His centuries-long exposure to the venom has led to the creation of a powerful antivenom, according to scientists.Key Facts
- Tim Friede, a US citizen, has put snake venom into his body for around 18 years.
- He's been bitten over 200 times and administered more than 700 self-injections of venom.
- Friede's long-term exposure to venom has caused his blood to produce unique antibodies.
- Scientists claim that these antibodies can protect against lethal doses of venom from various species in animal tests.
- Existing therapies for venom bites have to match the specific type of venomous snake, but Friede's work could lead to a universal antivenom.
- Every year, snakebites cause up to 14,000 deaths and leave thrice that number of people needing amputations or with permanent disabilities.
- Friede originally started this endeavor to develop immunity to venom because of his job handling snakes.
- A biotech company named Centivax is studying Friede's blood to develop better therapies for snakebite victims.
- Recent testing on mice with his antivenom has shown substantial protection against fatal doses from 13 of 19 species of venomous snakes.
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