Universal Antivenom Uses Human Antibodies, Shows Promise

Scientists, led by Jacob Glanville, have developed a promising universal antivenom using unique antibodies from Tim Friede, a self-taught snake expert who self-immunized with venom over hundreds of exposures. The human-derived antibodies from Friede's blood, combined with existing scientific techniques, provide protection in mice against venom from at least 19 different snake species. Traditional antivenoms are species-specific and animal-based, often causing adverse reactions, but this new approach offers broader and potentially safer protection. The advance is especially significant for low-resource regions disproportionately affected by snakebites. Further testing, including veterinary trials in Australia, is underway before potential human use. Scientists see this breakthrough as a step toward a pan-antivenom that could replace century-old treatments and save thousands of lives globally.