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3w ago

Human Antibodies Drive Breakthrough in Broad-Spectrum Snake Antivenom

Researchers have developed a three-component antivenom using antibodies from a self-immunized Wisconsin man, showing promising results in mice and advancing toward veterinary and human trials.

Tim Friede with a water cobra.
Tim Friede, center, with colleagues Mark Bellin, right, Joel Andrade, left, Gengan Li, back left, and Nicholas Bayless, back center.
Study coauthors Mark Bellin and Hannah Hirou prepare antivenom during the course of the research.
Stock image: A snake biting a man's finger.

Overview

  • Tim Friede's 18-year self-immunization project produced antibodies capable of neutralizing venom from 19 of the world’s deadliest snakes.
  • A cocktail combining two of Friede’s antibodies and the toxin inhibitor varespladib fully protected mice against 13 snake species and partially protected against six more.
  • The antivenom targets elapid snakes, including cobras, mambas, and taipans, but researchers aim to expand its coverage with a fourth component and formulations for vipers.
  • Veterinary trials in Australia are planned as a next step before advancing to human clinical studies.
  • The new human-derived approach addresses limitations of traditional antivenoms, which are species-specific, animal-derived, and carry risks of adverse reactions.