Tim Friede, originally from Wisconsin, spent 18 years making itself biting with extremely poisonous snakes, such as black mamba, royal cobra and taipan. Over the years he has suffered over 200 biteswith the aim of making their body immune to their poisons.
This sort of autoimmunization led its body to produce A very high level of antibodiesmaking it “hyperimmune” to snake neurotoxic. A very rare condition that attracted the interest of science.
The discovery of key antibodies
Dr. Jacob Glanvilleimmunologist and CEO of Biotech Cenivax, analyzed Friede’s blood, discovering antibodies capable of neutralizing toxins of 19 Among the most fatal snakes in the world.
By combining two of these antibodies with a poison inhibitor molecule, the team has for example developed a new type of anti -antilene. The first experiments conducted on mice have shown that the antidote can offer protection against snakes of snakes such as black mamba, the royal cobra, the coral snake and the tiger snake.
Towards a universal antivelene
The current antiveleno differs from traditional ones, which are specific by species and obtained from animal antibodies, often with the risk of strong allergic reactions. The new treatment, however, It is created in the laboratory using human antibodiesthus reducing possible side effects.
The goal of the researchers is now to develop a formulation that can be easily administered even outside the hospitals, for example through intramuscular injection, such as an “epippen”. A mode that would make the anti -antilene useful also in rural and remote contextswhere among other things they would serve more.
Future perspectives and global impact
The next pre-clinical tests will take place on dogs in veterinary clinics in Australia, followed by experiments on humans. Every year, Over 100 thousand people die due to snake bitesin particular in poor and isolated regions: a universal antivelene could save countless lives. Overall, according to the World Health Organization About 5.4 million people suffer snake bites every year on a global scale: among these 2.7 million they suffer from poisonous, cause of potential deaths or conditions of permanent disabilities.
A commitment to humanity
Friede never wanted to gain this experience. As he himself explained: “I know I am helping someone, perhaps 8 thousand miles away, and this makes me feel really good.”
His certainly particular dedication has provided a fundamental basis for scientific progress in an often neglected but crucial medical scope for millions of people.
Source: Vanity Fair
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