Scientists create antivenom for snake bites using man’s blood
Snake yoga has slithered into a California yoga studio, offering a unique experience that combines the practice of yoga with the presence of ball pythons. Participants in this unconventional yoga class can expect to have these gentle snakes slithering on them as they flow through their poses.
But the connection between snakes and yoga doesn’t stop there. In a groundbreaking scientific development, researchers have discovered what they believe to be the most effective antivenom ever created, with the help of one man’s blood. Tim Friede, a man who had intentionally subjected himself to hundreds of snake bites over an 18-year period, became “hyper-immune” to the effects of snake neurotoxins.
Friede’s unique immune history provided the basis for isolating target antibodies from his blood that reacted with neurotoxins from 19 of the world’s deadliest snakes. These antibodies were combined with another molecule to create a new antivenom that showed promising results in protecting against venom from snakes like the black mamba, king cobra, coral snakes, and tiger snakes in mouse trials.
By participating in this study, Friede expressed that he felt he was helping humanity by contributing to the development of a potentially life-saving antivenom. His self-immunization process, which involved intentionally getting bitten by deadly snakes, was driven by his desire to become more comfortable with these creatures. Friede’s dedication to this process, which he described as almost like an addiction, has now paved the way for a universal antivenom that could be deployed more broadly and effectively.
The researchers behind this groundbreaking discovery are now looking to expand their trials to treat dogs that have been bitten by snakes, as well as create another antivenom to protect against viper bites. This new approach to developing antivenom could revolutionize the field, as it moves away from the traditional method of immunizing horses or sheep with venom from single snake species.
With approximately 5.4 million people globally being bitten by snakes each year, and 2.7 million of those individuals being poisoned by venom, the need for effective antivenom is crucial. This innovative research, supported by various organizations including the National Institutes of Health, has the potential to save countless lives and prevent permanent disabilities caused by snake bites.
As snake yoga continues to gain popularity in California and beyond, the connection between humans and these fascinating creatures is evolving in unexpected ways. From the yoga studio to the laboratory, the bond between snakes and humans is proving to be both transformative and life-saving.
