Wisconsin venom collector's blood aids experimental antivenom for dozens of snakes
A self-taught herpetologist from Wisconsin who repeatedly injected himself with snake venom has provided blood that helped scientists create an experimental antivenom protecting mice from 19 venomous species.
Tim Friede, a self-taught herpetologist based in Wisconsin, deliberately exposed himself to snake venom more than 700 times and endured hundreds of bites over a 17-year period to build immunity. In 2025, a Cell paper reported that antibodies from a 40-ml blood donation, paired with the drug varespladib, protected mice from the lethal neurotoxins of 19 distinct venomous snakes. The experimental antivenom, still far from commercial use, showed full protection against 13 species and partial protection against six others in animal trials.
Friede ceased self-injection in 2018 and now contributes his expertise at Centivax, the firm pursuing the treatment. Researchers hope the approach could eventually aid victims of snakebites, a problem affecting thousands in the United States and millions worldwide.
Why it matters
The work could lead to broader, more effective treatments for snakebite victims worldwide.
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