Universal antivenom emerges from man's decades of snake exposure

Researchers used broadly neutralizing antibodies gathered from a man with long-term venom exposure to create an antivenom cocktail that fully protected mice against 13 snake species and partially protected them against six more; the team plans to begin testing the treatment in Australia on dogs and to develop coverage for viper bites.

Researchers report that antibodies collected from a man who exposed himself to snake venom over roughly two decades were used to create an antivenom cocktail. Snakebites cause tens of thousands of deaths and many lasting injuries worldwide, which is one reason the research is being pursued. In laboratory tests, the antibody-based cocktail showed broad protective effects across multiple snake species in mice. The research team is preparing further animal testing and work toward broader viper coverage. Key details: - The donor, identified in reporting as Tim Friede, developed broadly neutralizing antitoxin antibodies after long-term venom exposure. - Scientists at Centivax combined two of the donor's antibodies (named LNX-D09 and SNX-B03) with the toxin-blocking drug varespladib to make the antivenom cocktail. - In preclinical tests on mice, the treatment fully protected animals from 13 snake species and partially protected them from six additional species. - The team plans to begin testing the new antivenom treatments in Australia on dogs brought to clinics with snake bite injuries and is working on formulations to extend protection to viper bites. Summary: The research translates an unusual human immune response into a candidate broad-spectrum antivenom that showed wide protection in mice. Upcoming steps include animal trials in Australia and iterative work to define the minimal antibody combination needed for broader viper protection, with further development and testing planned by the research team.