A new era in snakebite treatment may be dawning thanks to research that has resulted in a broad-spectrum antivenom capable of neutralizing the venom of various highly venomous snake species. This scientific breakthrough, detailed in recent publications, offers promising hope for millions of people at risk globally.
The key to this development lies in the human antibodies of a unique individual, Tim Friede. Through a self-immunization process spanning nearly two decades, where he controllably exposed himself to snake venoms, Friede developed remarkable hyperimmunity. Researchers from Centivax and Columbia University, among other institutions, have successfully isolated and utilized these antibodies.
The result is a potent antivenom cocktail that combines specific antibodies from Friede with, in some formulations, the molecule varespladib, a known toxin inhibitor. Pre-clinical tests in animal models have demonstrated impressive efficacy, protecting against the neurotoxins of up to 19 of the planet’s deadliest snakes, including black mambas, king cobras, and various species of taipans and kraits.
This treatment has the potential to become a universal antivenom, or at least one with a much broader spectrum than current ones. This would eliminate the critical and often difficult need to identify the exact snake species before administering treatment, a common challenge in rural and resource-limited regions.
Scientific research is now advancing to field tests, starting with dogs bitten by snakes in Australia, with the ultimate goal of conducting human clinical trials. There are also plans to develop a similar cocktail targeting venoms from the viper family.
The story of Tim Friede, who endured hundreds of bites and venom injections, is a testament to the dedication that drove this discovery. His collaboration with the scientific community is paving the way for a solution that could save countless lives and reduce permanent disability caused by snakebites worldwide.
Sources:
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)00402-7 – Snake venom protection by a cocktail of varespladib and broadly neutralizing human antibodies (Título do artigo científico original na revista Cell)
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1081671 – Antivenom neutralizes the neurotoxins of 19 of the world’s deadliest snakes
https://www.genengnews.com/topics/drug-discovery/antivenom-cocktail-protects-against-19-of-worlds-deadliest-snakes/ – Antivenom Cocktail Protects Against 19 of World’s Deadliest Snakes
https://www.the-scientist.com/a-man-who-survived-hundreds-of-snakebites-helped-scientists-develop-a-potent-antivenom-72977 – A Man Who Survived Hundreds of Snakebites Helped Scientists Develop a Potent Antivenom
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4vRR-kOtFgc – Scientists Create Word’s First Universal Antivenom