An American man’s blood became an “unprecedented” antidote to snake bites after he deliberately injected his venom for nearly two decades.
It all started with Tim Friede’s idea to develop his own immunity to protect himself when handling snakes. The process, which began 18 years ago and was documented on YouTube. Led him to endure more than 200 bites and more than 700 injections of the venom of the world’s most lethal snakes. Such as some species of mamba, cobra, taipan and bungaro.
Later, Dr. Jacob Glanville discovered Friede’s story and contacted him to ask for a sample of his blood, from which he hoped to extract antibodies. With Friede’s samples, he began research with 19 elapids. Identified by the World Health Organization as some of the deadliest snakes on the planet.
Two antibodies were extracted from Friede’s blood and mixed with a drug, creating an antidote cocktail. Through experiments with mice, the scientists determined that the mixture worked in 13 of the 19 species. Plus partial protection for the remaining six cases.
The aim is to create a universal combination that can reverse the effects of the poisons in all species. Although the experts recognize that there is still a long way to go.
Around 140,000 people die every year due to snake venom. While three times as many are left with amputations or permanent disabilities, reports the BBC.
With information from RT News and BBC
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernández
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