Title: New Antivenom, Thanks To 200 Intentional Snake Bites
Podcast: Short Wave
Host: Regina Barber
Guest: Reporter Ari Daniel
Release Date: May 21, 2025

1. The Deadly Impact of Venomous Snakes

In the episode titled "New Antivenom, Thanks To 200 Intentional Snake Bites," NPR's Short Wave host Regina Barber, alongside reporter Ari Daniel, delves into the pressing global health issue posed by venomous snake bites. Ari Daniel opens the discussion by highlighting the severity of the problem:

Ari Daniel [00:29]: "Venomous snakes... [are] a big problem, especially in low and middle-income countries and in the tropics. The World Health Organization estimates that every year tens of thousands of people die as a result of venomous snake bites and that they permanently disable several hundred thousand more."

He elaborates on the varied health risks associated with snake venom:

Ari Daniel [00:52]: "There are neurotoxic venoms that can lead to paralysis, including of the airway, so people suffocate. Other venoms can affect the blood, causing it either to fail to clot or to form clots too readily. Some venoms cause intense pain and others cause no pain at all."

2. Tim Friedy: The Antivenom Volunteer

The episode introduces Tim Friedy, a herpetologist whose unconventional approach—allowing himself to be bitten by snakes—has been instrumental in advancing antivenom research. Ari Daniel narrates Tim's journey:

Ari Daniel [01:18]: "Tim Friedy... to raise awareness of the actual danger that venomous snake bites pose, he's allowed himself to be bitten some 200 times by all kinds of snakes, including black mambas, taipans, cobras, kraits, and more."

Tim shares his initial experiences:

Tim Friedy [02:04]: "My first couple bites are really crazy. Take a beast times a thousand, you can have levels of anxiety that goes to the roof."

Despite severe setbacks, including a near-fatal coma after cobra bites:

Tim Friedy [03:40]: "I was put in ICU after two cobra bites and I dropped in a coma for four days."

Tim's relentless pursuit not only expanded his immunity but also paved the way for groundbreaking research.

3. Breaking New Ground: Developing a Universal Antivenom

The core of the episode centers on the innovative approach to antivenom development inspired by Tim Friedy's extensive exposure to venom. Ari Daniel introduces Jacob Glanville, CEO of biotech company Centivax, who sought a novel method to create a broad-spectrum antivenom:

Jacob Glanville [07:12]: "If anybody has broken through the problem of getting the immune system to focus, it's this guy by this repeated stimulation with all these snakes."

Tim's unique condition provided a treasure trove of antibodies effective against multiple snake venoms.

4. Research Process and Innovative Strategies

Centivax’s research team analyzed Tim's blood to isolate antibodies capable of neutralizing a wide array of venoms. Jacob Glanville explains the discovery:

Jacob Glanville [07:55]: "And then that's how we found the ultra broad antibody that had this very remarkable ability to go bind right on the conserved site that the neurotoxin uses to cause paralysis."

This antibody demonstrated efficacy in preclinical trials:

Ari Daniel [08:05]: "The Antibody... gave mice full protection against five snakes: the black mamba and a mix of cobras."

Seeking to enhance the antivenom's effectiveness, the team collaborated with Peter Kwong, a structural biologist, who suggested a multi-antibody cocktail:

Ari Daniel [08:37]: "One that would take on even more snakes."

The resulting three-component cocktail achieved comprehensive protection in mice:

Ari Daniel [09:08]: "This cocktail of three components offered mice complete protection against 13 species and partial protection against six more, representing a set of genetically diverse venomous snakes from Asia, Africa, Australia, North America, and more."

5. Overcoming Challenges and Future Directions

While the achievements are significant, experts caution about ongoing challenges. David Williams, an antivenom evaluator for the World Health Organization, notes:

David Williams [10:24]: "There are lots of other different components in venoms, and we don't know going forward. If we just neutralize the key components in the venom, what will the other toxins do?"

Further development includes testing the cocktail in canine models bitten by Australian snakes, with hopes for human trials within a few years. Stuart Ainsworth, a molecular biologist, emphasizes the complexity of venoms:

Stuart Ainsworth [10:53]: "Venoms are complex chemical mixes... now we know this cocktail works in mice. He's eager to see how it'll work in people."

6. Tim Friedy's Continued Contribution and Legacy

Following the success of the antivenom development, Tim Friedy transitioned to a leadership role at Centivax:

Ari Daniel [10:59]: "He became director of herpetology at Centivax."

Tim reflects on his contribution:

Tim Friedy [11:10]: "I couldn't believe it. I really couldn't believe it. I'm doing something for humanity and getting back to science."

Though retired from active snake-biting, Tim occasionally misses the thrill:

Tim Friedy [11:27]: "To know you can beat that and keep her calm and keep her cool. It's a wonderful thing."

Conclusion

This episode of Short Wave masterfully intertwines the harrowing realities of snake venom dangers with the inspiring story of human ingenuity and resilience. Through Tim Friedy's extraordinary commitment and the innovative efforts of researchers like Jacob Glanville and Peter Kwong, the quest for a universal antivenom takes a promising leap forward. As ongoing research addresses existing challenges, the potential to save countless lives globally becomes increasingly attainable.

Notable Quotes:

• Ari Daniel [00:29]: "Venomous snakes... [are] a big problem, especially in low and middle-income countries and in the tropics."
• Tim Friedy [02:04]: "My first couple bites are really crazy. Take a beast times a thousand, you can have levels of anxiety that goes to the roof."
• Jacob Glanville [07:12]: "If anybody has broken through the problem of getting the immune system to focus, it's this guy by this repeated stimulation with all these snakes."
• David Williams [10:24]: "There are lots of other different components in venoms, and we don't know going forward. If we just neutralize the key components in the venom, what will the other toxins do?"
• Tim Friedy [11:10]: "I'm doing something for humanity and getting back to science."