'Unparalleled' snake antivenom made from man bitten 200 times

BBC - May 2nd, 2025
Open on BBC

Tim Friede, a US man who injected himself with snake venom for nearly two decades, has contributed to the development of a groundbreaking universal antivenom. His blood was found to contain antibodies that offer protection against fatal doses from various snake species. This advancement addresses the current challenge of having antivenoms specific to each snake species, as Friede's antibodies target common toxin parts across multiple species. The research, led by Dr. Jacob Glanville and his team at Centivax, has shown promising results in animal tests, offering protection against 13 of 19 studied elapid species.

The implications of this development are significant, as snakebites kill up to 14,000 people annually and cause numerous disabilities. Current antivenoms require precise matching to the snake species, limiting their effectiveness. Friede's contribution could pave the way for a universal antivenom, potentially simplifying treatment and saving lives worldwide. Although much work remains before human applications, researchers are optimistic about creating a comprehensive antivenom, with experts like Prof Nick Casewell acknowledging the innovation's potential to transform snakebite treatment.

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RATING

8.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of a significant scientific development, effectively balancing factual accuracy, clarity, and public interest. It offers a compelling narrative about Tim Friede's unique contributions to antivenom research, supported by credible sources and expert insights. While the story is well-structured and engaging, it could benefit from greater transparency regarding the scientific methodologies and potential ethical considerations involved. Additionally, a deeper exploration of the controversies surrounding self-experimentation and the role of biotechnology in medical advancements would enhance its capacity to provoke meaningful discussion. Overall, the article succeeds in highlighting an important health issue and the innovative approaches being taken to address it, making it a valuable contribution to public discourse.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story presents factual claims that are largely supported by external sources. For instance, the claim about Tim Friede injecting himself with snake venom over 200 times is corroborated by multiple reports and aligns with documented accounts of his self-experimentation. The development of a broad-spectrum antivenom using his antibodies is also consistent with published research findings. However, while the story accurately reports the effectiveness of the antivenom in mice, further verification would be needed for human trials and broader application implications. The statistics on snakebite fatalities are generally accurate, though precise figures can vary slightly among different reports.

8
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by including multiple perspectives, such as those of Tim Friede, the scientists involved, and external experts like Prof. Nick Casewell. It highlights both the potential benefits of the research and the challenges ahead, such as the need for extensive testing before human application. However, the article could benefit from including more critical viewpoints or potential ethical concerns regarding self-experimentation and the broader implications of using human antibodies in antivenom development.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, accessible language to explain complex scientific concepts. It logically presents the sequence of events from Tim Friede's self-experimentation to the development of the antivenom. The tone is neutral and informative, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative and understand the significance of the research. However, some technical terms, such as 'broadly neutralizing antibodies,' could be further simplified or explained for a lay audience.

8
Source quality

The article references credible sources, including scientists involved in the research and recognized experts in the field. Dr. Jacob Glanville and Prof. Peter Kwong are noted authorities, and their insights lend credibility to the claims made. However, the article could improve by providing more direct citations or links to the original research publications, which would enhance the reader's ability to verify the information independently.

7
Transparency

The article provides some context about the methodology used in developing the antivenom and the ethical considerations involved in using Tim Friede's blood. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the scientific processes or the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from the involvement of a biotech company like Centivax. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the reader's understanding of the research's reliability and potential biases.

Sources

  1. https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/03/man-injected-with-snake-venom-856-times-helps-develop-broad-antivenom/
  2. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/research/no-one-else-should-do-what-tim-did-antibodies-man-who-injected-himself-snake-toxins
  3. https://www.sciencealert.com/after-856-snake-bites-mans-blood-could-unlock-universal-antivenom
  4. https://www.centivax.com/tim
  5. https://wbhm.org/npr-story/he-let-snakes-bite-him-some-200-times-to-create-a-better-snakebite-antivenom/