A Man Has Let Hundreds of Venomous Snakes Bite Him on Purpose, Now His Blood Is Being Used for Lifesaving Treatments

**Herpetologist’s Self-Experimentation Paves Way for New Antivenom Development**

Tim Friede, a self-taught herpetologist and expert on snake venom, has dedicated the past two decades to a peculiar yet crucial research endeavour: voluntarily subjecting himself to bites from a variety of venomous snakes. His unique approach has drawn the attention of scientists and researchers, who have now successfully developed a new antivenom drug benefiting from his remarkable experiences.

To date, Friede has allowed himself to be bitten by over 200 species of snakes. Over the years, his interactions have not only revealed the intricacies of snake venom but have also contributed significantly to the progress of medical science related to snakebites. Recent studies published in the journal *Cell* highlight how Friede’s self-experiments helped researchers formulate an antivenom cocktail designed to mitigate the effects of specific snakebites.

Described as having a “simple curiosity” towards venomous creatures, Friede began his journey by injecting small amounts of snake venom into his system—milking the venom from snakes himself. Gradually, he increased the dosage, intent on building a level of immunity to various venomous snakes. Reflecting on his initial experiences, he conveyed, “At first, it was very scary. But the more you do it, the better you get at it, the calmer you become with it.”

However, his venture into the realm of snake bites has not been without peril. Friede revealed in interviews that his journey involved serious health risks, with one particularly harrowing incident leading him to intensive care after sustaining two cobra bites. The experience placed him in a coma for four days, yet it also contributed to the development of immunity to some of the most dangerous snakes, such as the black mamba, king cobra, and tiger snake.

Despite the risks involved, Friede remained dedicated to his research. His determination led him to reach out to numerous scientists, encouraging them to investigate his unusual tolerance to snake venom. Eventually, a group of researchers responded and confirmed that Friede had developed a unique set of antivenom-producing antibodies that could be instrumental in creating lifesaving medical treatments.

Jacob Glanville, the lead author of the study and CEO of the biotech company Centivax, remarked on the significance of Friede’s immune response. He stated, “What was exciting about the donor was his once-in-a-lifetime unique immune history,” highlighting the potential for Friede’s antibodies to contribute to a universal antivenom. Glanville continued, asserting that Friede’s repeated exposure to snake venom had enabled a focused immune response which is vital for advancing the development of antivenom.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that snakebites claim the lives of 81,000 to 137,000 individuals annually, with many more resulting in amputations or permanent disabilities. The challenges of creating effective antivenoms are compounded by the costs and complexities of traditional methods, which often involve injecting large mammals, such as horses, with venom and harvesting the antibodies they generate.

The groundbreaking work with Friede’s antibodies has led to the formulation of a new antivenom cocktail, combining two of his unique antibodies with a toxin-blocking drug. In studies, the cocktail has shown promising results, providing complete protection to mice against 13 snake species and partial protection against an additional six.

Glanville emphasised the importance of this research, particularly for the developing world where snakebites are a prevalent health issue, disproportionately impacting rural communities. Moving forward, the next phase of testing for the newly developed antivenom is set to be conducted in Australia, where trials will involve dogs that have suffered snakebite injuries.

Reflecting on the research outcomes, Friede expressed his astonishment and satisfaction, stating, “I couldn’t believe it. I really couldn’t believe it. I know I’m doing something for humanity and giving back to science.” While it has been some time since he last engaged in close interactions with venomous snakes, Friede finds reassurance in the knowledge that he has navigated considerable risks and come out calmer on the other side.

Through his remarkable dedication and willingness to confront danger, Tim Friede’s journey epitomises the intersection of curiosity and scientific advancement, offering hope for future treatments for snakebite victims around the globe.