This finding is an important breakthrough in the treatment of snakebites. Coincidentally, they have produced a new antivenom that is proving to be highly effective against a majority of the venomous snakes. This new antivenom has been shown to fully protect laboratory mice against 13 of the 19 tested snake species. It provides at least some measure of protection to the other six species as well. This development is largely a result of the miraculous blood of Tim Friede. For nearly two decades, the Wisconsin man has injected himself with venom from some of the most poisonous snakes on earth.
The start-up company Centivax is at the forefront of developing this synthetic antivenom. Dr. Jacob Glanville, the CEO of Centivax, is leading the charge. The research team studied Friede’s blood, which is rich in strong immune proteins called antibodies. Scientists used a variety of methods to narrow their focus down to three particular antibodies. Together, these antibodies produced a robust antivenom that is effective against all elapid snakes—including the highly venomous eastern brown snake, inland taipan, and tiger snake.
Innovative Approach to Antivenom Development
Despite some incremental improvements, traditional antivenoms have remained largely unchanged for more than a century, says Dr. Jacob Glanville. Yet the new antivenom leverages the design tools of modern antibody therapy to produce a more practical answer to snakebites. This collaborative and innovative approach has fostered excitement among researchers and medical professionals taking on this work.
Dr. Peter Kwong, a biochemist at Columbia University, explained what makes this new antivenom different from conventional alternatives. He mentioned that every time we better learn the language of living systems, it can release more powerful therapeutic capabilities. That in turn drives creation of safer, stronger cures.
Unlike in the past, this new approach makes it possible to leverage the best that today’s science has to offer, Kwong stated. “We are moving towards a future where treatments are not only effective but tailored to a broader spectrum of needs.”
The Role of Tim Friede
It was Tim Friede’s extreme personal experience with venomous snakebite that brought this anti-venom to fruition. Over the past 18 years, he has voluntarily injected himself with venom from 16 different species. With this constant dose, he’s been sharpening his antibodies to a fine edge. All of this special approach has produced an extraordinary repertoire of immune responses that scientists used to develop the new therapy.
In the end, Dr. Glanville cautioned against the intensity of Friede’s approach being copied by other individuals. “No-one else should do what Tim has done,” he warned. “What he has produced is remarkable, but it doesn’t mean others need to try it themselves.”
The production process took an in-depth look at Friede’s blood. From all of the antibodies tested, researchers were able to find those that would function in a synergistic manner. Two of the three antibodies in the antivenom had been detected in Friede’s blood. This new finding sheds light on just how different his immune response is.
Challenges Ahead
Even with this exciting breakthrough, more work needs to be done to guarantee the antivenom is accessible and effective in the real world. Dr. Timothy Jackson emphasized the point that having an excellent new drug is only part of solving snakebite problems. Distribution and access to the treatment are just as important, if not more so.
Realistically, having a good drug is the easy part when it comes to addressing a public health problem such as snake bite, Jackson stated. A new drug is only as good as your ability to deliver it to a patient.
Before testing it in humans, we need to do larger animal studies to determine the antivenom’s safety and effectiveness. This includes testing its efficacy on dogs bitten by snakes. Dr. Glanville was optimistic about forthcoming research breakthroughs. For him, they will produce a more complete spectrum cocktail for the vipers, which occur in most continents except for Australia and Antarctica.
Because of this research, we’ve learned some critical lessons. They’ve been thoroughly documented and published in the prestigious journal Cell, a demonstration of THC’s most recent breakthrough in antivenom development.
