Overview

• Tim Friede, a snake enthusiast, self-administered venom from 16 highly venomous snakes over 18 years, enabling the development of unique human antibodies.
• Scientists at Columbia University and Centivax combined two human-derived antibodies, LNX-D09 and SNX-B03, with an enzyme inhibitor to create a broad-spectrum antivenom.
• The antivenom provided full protection in mice against venoms from 13 elapid species, including King Cobra and Black Mamba, and partial protection against six others.
• Veterinary trials on dogs bitten by snakes are planned as the next step, though the antivenom does not yet address viper venoms, which cause most snakebite cases.
• Over 100,000 people die annually from snakebites worldwide, with 300,000 more suffering permanent disabilities, underscoring the urgent need for broader antivenom solutions.