After the tragic events of September 11, Tim Friede found himself in a dark place. In a moment of desperation, he went to his basement and allowed two of the world’s most dangerous snakes to bite him.
Remarkably, four days later, he emerged from a coma.
“I know what it feels like to die from a snakebite,” Friede shared during a video call from his home in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
While most people would likely steer clear of snakes after such a harrowing experience, Friede made a different choice—he resolved to proceed with caution in the future.
Between 2000 and 2018, he subjected himself to more than 200 snake bites and injected himself with venom over 650 times. Why? He aimed to achieve complete immunity to venom, a practice known as mithridatism, which is highly discouraged outside of professional settings.
Over time, Friede became convinced that his unusual journey could lead to advancements in antivenom treatments. Despite being a former truck mechanic without a formal degree, he faced challenges in being taken seriously by the scientific community.
Last month, a groundbreaking study in the renowned Cell journal revealed that antibodies found in Friede’s blood can protect against various types of snake venom.
Researchers are now excited about the potential of Friede’s unique immunity, which may pave the way for a universal antivenom.
This discovery is significant, as most current antivenoms only target a limited number of the approximately 600 venomous snake species worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, snakebites claim the lives of up to 138,000 people each year, while 400,000 others face amputations or enduring disabilities.
Many experts believe these statistics are likely much lower than the reality, as victims often reside in impoverished and remote regions.
Friede’s journey with snakes began at the age of five when he was bitten by a nonpoisonous garter snake. “I was scared, I cried, and I ran away,” reflected Friede, who is now 57.