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yesterday

Breakthrough Antivenom from Human Antibodies Shows Unmatched Efficacy in Trials

A new antivenom developed using antibodies from Tim Friede's self-induced immunity neutralizes venom from 13 of the world’s deadliest elapid snakes in mouse trials, with further testing planned for dogs and expanded formulations targeting viper species.

This undated photo provided by Centivax in 2025 shows Tim Friede, who is hyper-immune to the venom of various snakes, with a water cobra wrapped around his arm.
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Snakebite is also a disease of poverty. The people most affected are those least able to afford treatment.
19 deadliest snakes

Overview

  • Scientists have created a broad-spectrum antivenom using antibodies from Tim Friede, who self-immunized with venom from 16 deadly snake species over 18 years.
  • The antivenom combines two human antibodies with a small-molecule inhibitor, providing full protection in mouse trials against venom from 13 of 19 WHO-listed elapid snake species.
  • This new approach addresses limitations of traditional antivenoms, which rely on horse-derived antibodies, are species-specific, and carry risks of allergic reactions.
  • The antivenom’s success in preclinical trials has prompted plans to test its efficacy in dogs at Australian veterinary clinics, with future development aimed at viper venoms.
  • Snakebite, classified as a neglected tropical disease, causes 138,000 deaths and 400,000 maimings annually, disproportionately affecting rural, low-income populations.