Tim Friede, a 57-year-old from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, has endured over 200 snakebites and 650 venom injections since 2000, aiming to achieve immunity through mithridatism. His extraordinary journey, once dismissed by scientists, is now driving groundbreaking research for a universal antivenom, as detailed in a May 2025 study published in Cell.
Friede’s quest began after a near-fatal double snakebite in 2001, post-9/11, which left him in a coma. Undeterred, he continued exposing himself to venom from deadly snakes like cobras and black mambas, believing his immunity could revolutionise antivenom. “I know what it feels like to die from snakebite,” he told AFP.
The Cell study revealed that antibodies from Friede’s blood protect against 13 of 19 tested snake venoms, offering partial protection for the rest. Researchers at Centivax, where Friede now works, hope this could lead to a universal antivenom, addressing a critical global health need.
HE FACED VENOM HEADS-ON
After hundreds of bites and venom injections, one man’s body developed powerful antibodies. Researchers say his blood could be the key to fighting snake venom.
READ: https://t.co/2DcxwPDyxy pic.twitter.com/1RCqbkbDc9
— PhilSTAR L!fe (@philstarlife) June 8, 2025Snakebites kill up to 138,000 people annually and disable 400,000, per the World Health Organisation, primarily in remote, low-income regions. Current antivenoms, derived from animals like horses, are species-specific and can cause severe side effects. A universal antivenom, potentially administered via an EpiPen-like device, could save countless lives.
Inspired by Friede’s immunity, immunologist Jacob Glanville collaborated with him in 2017. The study published in ‘Cell’ introduced an antivenom that combines Friede’s antibodies with varespladib, marking a significant advancement in treatment. Future trials in Australia will expand coverage to more species, particularly vipers.
Some experts, like Timothy Jackson, question the necessity of human involvement, suggesting that synthetic antibodies could suffice. However, Centivax aims to produce these treatments affordably in India. Friede, who ended his exposure to venom in 2018, takes pride in his contributions to this research.
