.jpeg)
In India, a snakebite isn’t just a medical emergency — it’s a household fear. From farmers in UP to children in Odisha, one careless step can mean a desperate, hours-long race to the nearest hospital… if there’s even an antivenom there.
India alone sees over 46,000 snakebite deaths every year. Most victims never stood a chance, partly because our antivenoms are species-specific. If you don’t know which snake bit you, or if the right antidote isn’t available, you’re in trouble.
But now — hope slithers in from the unlikeliest source.
Meet Tim Friede, a man who’s voluntarily taken over 800 venomous snakebites. Not on dares, not by accident — but to help build immunity and speed up science.
Man injects snake venom 856 times to create "universal antivenom"
His blood holds antibodies powerful enough to neutralize the venom of some of the world’s deadliest snakes. And now, scientists have used it to develop a universal antivenom that works against 13 of the 19 most dangerous snake species on Earth.
Because right now, your survival depends on knowing which snake bit you, getting to a hospital that has the matching antivenom, and praying your body can handle it. A universal antivenom would erase that deadly guessing game.
It’s still in early trials. But Tim’s insane commitment has shown what’s possible — and brought us closer to a cure for a problem India can no longer ignore.
We’ve normalized snakebite deaths in rural India for far too long. This isn’t a jungle problem. It’s a public health crisis. And finally, there’s reason to hope we can stop burying victims who should’ve been saved.