Man’s Blood Sparks Breakthrough in Universal Antivenom Research

SCIENCE

By Aniket Chakraborty May 3, 2025 Arrow Image Credit | @TimFriede | X

Scientists say Friede’s blood has helped create a groundbreaking universal snakebite antivenom.

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His antibodies protected mice from fatal doses of venom from 13 out of 19 deadly snake species.

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Current antivenoms must match specific snake species; Friede’s work could change that forever.

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Researchers found two broadly neutralizing antibodies in Friede’s blood targeting major toxins.

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The experimental cocktail survived deadly bites from mambas, cobras, taipans, and kraits.

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Scientists believe this discovery could soon lead to a single injection saving countless lives.

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Experts call this protection “unparalleled” but caution that much more testing is still needed.

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Around 140,000 people die each year from snakebites — a global health crisis with few solutions.

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Thanks to Friede’s sacrifices, the dream of a universal antivenom is closer than ever before.

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