Tim Friede, a self-trained herpetologist from Wisconsin, has endured more than 200 venomous snake bites and over 700 venom injections over the past two decades in a deliberate effort to build immunity to snake venom. His extreme and controversial self-experimentation has now become instrumental in the development of a potential universal antivenom that could revolutionize treatment for snakebite victims worldwide.
Unique antibodies, one goal: neutralize all venoms
A research team led by immunologist Jacob Glanville at biotech company Centivax discovered that Friede’s blood contains rare antibodies capable of neutralizing venom from a wide array of deadly snakes, including mambas, cobras, kraits, and taipans. These antibodies don’t just work against one species—they recognize and bind to protein fragments shared across many different types of snake venom, making them broadly effective.
The new approach: antibody plus molecule
The scientists combined Friede’s antibodies with a synthetic molecule called varespladib, which inhibits phospholipase A2, a common venom enzyme responsible for tissue destruction and paralysis. In preclinical trials, this two-pronged treatment successfully protected mice against venom from 19 highly venomous snake species. This marks a major departure from traditional antivenoms, which are typically species-specific, produced in animals like horses, and can cause allergic reactions in humans.
One man’s pain, global potential
Although the experimental antivenom hasn’t yet reached human trials, the implications are massive. If proven effective in clinical settings, it could help drastically reduce the estimated 120,000 deaths and 400,000 serious injuries caused by snakebites each year—particularly in developing regions where antivenom availability is limited and medical infrastructure is poor.
A dangerous path with a purpose
Now 57, Friede works at Centivax and continues to support the research he helped inspire with his own body. He emphasizes that his decision to subject himself to repeated venom exposures was motivated by a desire to advance snakebite treatment, not notoriety. Despite the progress, he strongly warns against others attempting similar feats due to the life-threatening risks involved.
This effort represents a potentially transformative moment in global health—one man’s extreme tolerance becoming the foundation for a therapy that could finally close the treatment gap for one of the world’s most neglected medical emergencies.
