US man's 18-year-old dangerous habit inspires new antidote study

As a result of scientists' studies on Friede's immune system, an antivenom formula was developed that is said to be effective against 19 different species of venomous snakes.

While the developed antivenom has so far only been tested on mice, researchers say it may take several years to move on to human trials.

"Tim's experience in this field is unparalleled. He has immunised many species of venomous snakes from different continents over a period of 17 years and has kept meticulous records throughout the process," said Jacob Glanville, an immunologist and part of the research team.

Glanville also warned that "snake venom is dangerous" , stressing that this method is definitely not recommended.

Peter Kwong from Columbia University noted that there were two important aspects to the study, saying, "First, we may have an antidote combination that can be developed in a few years. Second, it shows how powerful the human immune system has potential."

Tim Friede said he has been interested in reptiles and poisonous animals since childhood, and that he first started injecting himself with venom out of "simple curiosity" , but then realized that this experience could help others.

Steven Hall, a snake venom pharmacologist at Lancaster University in England, also described the method as "very creative and impressive" and said that human-derived antibodies could cause fewer side effects compared to traditional antidotes obtained from horses.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 110 thousand people die every year due to snake envenomation.

On the other hand, traditional antidote production is done by injecting venom into large mammals to obtain antibodies, and this process can have a limited effect area because it is both costly and species-specific.