Overview

• Tim Friede, a U.S. hobbyist, endured hundreds of snakebites over 18 years, enabling researchers to isolate two potent antibodies from his hyperimmune blood.
• The antibodies, combined with an enzyme inhibitor, form a cocktail that neutralized venoms from 13 elapid species entirely and six partially in mouse studies.
• Unlike traditional antivenoms derived from animals, this human-based approach aims to minimize side effects and expand venom coverage.
• The next phase involves testing the antivenom on dogs in veterinary clinics, with plans to address viper venoms in future research.
• Snakebites cause over 100,000 deaths and 300,000 disabilities annually, highlighting the urgent need for more effective, universal treatments.