An American man, Tim Friede, who spent nearly two decades injecting himself with snake venom, has helped develop a revolutionary antidote that could save thousands of lives. Scientists have discovered that antibodies in his blood offer protection against fatal doses of venom from many snake species, writes A2 CNN.
Currently, antivenoms only work when they are matched to the specific venom of a given species. This is problematic, as venom types vary greatly, even within the same snake species. But the antibodies that Friede's body has developed after over 700 injections and 200 bites from snakes like mambas and cobras are remarkable.
The biotech company Centivax, in collaboration with researchers at Columbia University, analyzed Friede's blood and identified two antibodies that neutralize two different classes of neurotoxins. A third ingredient was added to create an "antivenom cocktail" that, in tests on mice, provided complete protection against 13 of the world's 19 deadliest snakes.
This is a major step towards developing a universal antivenom, writes A2 CNN. The ultimate goal is a single injection that will protect against all types of venom, neurotoxic, hemotoxic and cytotoxic.
Although the research is in its early stages and further testing is needed, experts call it a promising achievement. For Tim Friede, who was once in a coma after two cobra bites, the moment is a triumph: "I'm proud. It feels good that I'm doing something good for humanity." (A2 Televizion)
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