Man Injects Snake Venom for Two Decades, Sparks Global Antidote Research
For nearly two decades, Tim Friede, an American man, has been injecting himself with snake venom, a practice that scientists believe could lead to a universal antidote for snake bites. Laboratory tests reveal that antibodies in his blood can neutralize lethal doses of venom from various snake species.
The Quest for a Universal Antidote
Scientists suggest that Mr. Friede’s efforts could considerably advance the search for a universal antivenom. Each year, snake bites result in over 140,000 deaths worldwide, and many more victims suffer permanent disabilities, including amputations. [1]. The current solution is antivenom,a medication designed to neutralize the toxic effects of venom [2].
Friede’s Journey: from Self-Protection to Global Aid
Mr. Friede began documenting his venom injection process on his YouTube channel, initially aiming to develop immunity to protect himself from snake bites. However,his journey was not without peril. Early on, bites from two cobras put him in a coma.
In an interview with the BBC, Mr. Friede explained that his motivation evolved: I wanted to help people affected by snake bites. He became a lifestyle and kept trying to the fullest for all those people who live thousands of kilometers of me and die from snake bites.
How Antivenom is Made
According to CuidatePlus, antivenom is not derived directly from snake venom. Rather, it is indeed created from the immune response that venom triggers in animals. The process typically involves injecting small amounts of venom into animals over several months and then extracting the antibodies that neutralize the venom’s effects.
The Scientific Breakthrough
Driven by the need for a universal solution, scientists began exploring ways to target common elements across various snake toxins. Dr. Jacob Glanville, executive director of the biotechnology company Centivax, contacted Mr. Friede to obtain a blood sample.
The research focused on elapids,a family of highly venomous snakes. Scientists identified 19 of the world’s deadliest elapid species. Analysis of Mr. Friede’s blood revealed two anti-neutralizing antibodies capable of attacking two key neurotoxins.
This breakthrough led to the creation of an antivenom that allowed mice to survive lethal doses of venom from 13 of the 19 species tested. Dr. Glanville noted, It probably covers a whole group of the ever for which there is no antidote.
The Future of Antivenom Research
This development marks a critically important step forward in antivenom research. Scientists are expected to continue testing and refining new antivenoms to improve their effectiveness and reach more affected populations.
FAQ: Snakebites and Antivenom
- What is antivenom? Antivenom is a medication made from antibodies used to treat venomous snake bites. [2], [3]
- How is antivenom produced? It is produced by injecting venom into animals and then extracting the resulting antibodies.
- Is there a universal antivenom? Currently, no, but research is underway to develop one.
- what should I do if bitten by a snake? Call 911 or your local emergency number instantly. [2]
