For 18 years he allowed the venomous snakes to bite. Scientists examined his blood
Due to Jump bite Every day about 200 people die, mainly in developing countries, AU about 400,000 It ends with a permanent disability. Traditional methods of production of antitoxins are complicated, expensive and carry the risk of side effects. Now, however, scientists have approached a breakthrough in this field. All thanks to the extremely dangerous experiment, which Tim Friede undertook, a former California truck mechanic in the USA.
He undertook an extreme experiment. He put his own life at the scales to help science
The story of Tim Friede sounds like a film script. A former car mechanic, and today a self -taught and expert from snakes for 18 years allowed himself to bite the various species of these venomous reptiles and injected their venom to develop in his body resistance to toxins. In 2017, his case interested the immunologist Jacob Glanville, who noticed scientific potential in this unusual practice.
– Articles about him were quite flashy. « Crazy snakes » – recalls Glanville in an interview with CNN. « But I saw an unwashed diamond in this, » he emphasizes.
After talking to Friede, the scientist asked him for a blood sample. He was aware of how strangely it could sound, but self -taught replied: « Finally, I was waiting for this phone. »
His blood introduces scientists to a breakthrough in the treatment of venomous snake bites
Friede’s blood sample went to the research team under the direction of Glanville and prof. Peter Kwong from the University of Columbia, this cooperation began. Eight years later, scientists published the results of their research in the prestigious « Cell » magazine.
Thanks to the antibodies isolated from Tim Friede’s blood and the addition of the drug blocking, the venom created antitoxin, which in mice tests proved to be effective against venom of 19 species of snakes, including coral hoses, KOBR, MAMB and Taipans.
Scientists have developed antitoxin on 19 species of snakes. How does it work?
The band was developed by a cocktail consisting of two antibodies isolated from Friede’s blood and Varespladib, which inhibits the enzyme present in 95 percent. snake bites.
- First antibody (LNX-D09): Protects six species of snakes against venom.
- Varespladibu add -on: Extends protection to another three species.
- Second antibody (SNX-B03): Increases the effectiveness of antitoxin, covering a total of 19 species.
In laboratory tests on mice, the cocktail provided 100 % protection against venom of 13 species of snakes and partial protection against the other six.
Revolution in the treatment of snake bites
Steven Hall, a pharmacologist from the University of Lancaster, called this method « very clever and creative. » Although the scientist did not participate in research, he emphasized that antibodies of human origin may cause less side effects than traditional antitoxins made of animal blood, such as horses.
If the cocktail is approved for clinical use, it can revolutionize the treatment of snake bites. « It would completely change this field, » says Hall.
Current research focuses on snakes from the Elapp family, such as cobry, mamby and tapany. Scientists, however, plan to expand research also on Żmijowateincluding rattles and saws.
– The ultimate goal is to create a universal antitoxin or two cocktails: one for snakes from the Elapp family and the other for the Viper family – says Peter Kwong.
The team also wants to start field tests in Australiawhere there are only elapid hoses. Antitoxin could be used there, among others in dogs bitten by these reptiles.
Scientists warn: don’t do it at home
Although Tim Friede’s story is extremely inspiring, scientists warn against imitating his actions. – We strongly advise against trying what Tim did. Snake venom is deadly – emphasizes Glanville.
Today, Tim Friede works for the Biotechnology company Centivax, whose president is Glanville. In 2018, after several dangerous incidents (including after two cobra bites, he fell into a coma in a short time) ended his experiments with snake venom.
Snake bites are a particularly serious problem in developing countries where access to effective drugs is limited. The World Health Organization (WHO) added snake bites to the list of neglected tropical diseases in 2017. The new antitoxin can become a breakthrough in the fight with this problem, saving the lives of thousands of people each year.
Are we on the threshold of the revolution in the treatment of snake bites? Everything indicates that the answer is getting closer.
(Source: CNN, BBC, The Guardian)
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Centivax / AP / East News
Tim Friede put his own life at stake to help science. For 18 years he has adopted over 850 doses of snake venom.
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Centivax / AP / East News
Thanks to the extraordinary Tim Friede experiment (in the middle) scientists are getting closer to the breakthrough in research on snake venom.
