Western Diamondback
Crotalus atrox
Hyper-immunity is an unusual condition in which antibodies are found at levels far above those normally generated by disease. There are anecdotal reports of significantly improved longevity and vigor into old age in other hyper-immune individuals. Hyper-immunity probably has significant and unusual effects that have potential crossover into other areas.
Butterfly Sciences formalized a relationship with Tim Friede to work on studying hyper-immunity to snake venom. Mr. Friede is one of the rare individuals who has immunized himself against deadly venomous snakes. To date, he has demonstrated that he can be bitten by seven venomous snakes and have complete remission of symptoms within 36 hours.
- Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)
- Western diamondback (Crotalus atrox)
- Mojave rattlesnake(Crotalus scutulatus)
- Cape cobra (Naja nivea)
- Monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia)
- Water cobra (Naja annulata)
- PNG Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus canni)
Western Diamondback bite Day 1 – No treatment
Western diamondback bite +7 days. No treatment.
I am Nicasio Mancini, an Italian scientist working on human monoclonal antibodies. I think that Mr. Friede’s case is exteremely fascinating, and I do believe that it will be possible to select very powerful molecules from his humoral repertoire.
If interested in possible collaborations/agreement, please contact me at the address below.
You didn’t leave an address, by the way.
When is the snake vaccine available to the public?
Not soon. Nothing is on the horizon yet. At present, there is very carefully done incremental doses of venom at 3-6 week intervals. Not to be undertaken lightly. It will hurt a great deal. Incorrect dosage can leave scars and in theory, could potentially kill.
Dr Hanley,
I am a 17-year-old student from London writing a project on treatment for snake bites and I would be very grateful if you could offer me your expert opinion on my investigation. I would be extremely appreciative if you could include any findings you have come across in your Hyperimmunity Project with Tim Friede.
My question is:
‘Is it possible to make a vaccination for humans against the saw-scaled viper in and if so, what are the factors in slowing down the creation of the vaccination’
Thank you in advance,
Kiran Reddy
Is it possible? Yes. Is it going to happen soon? No. People immunize already using venom. It will hurt, and it has to be done very, very carefully. Mistakes with dose can be very damaging.
There is an animal vaccine that works fairly well for north American rattlesnakes. http://www.redrockbiologics.com/
Hi Brian, can you please put me in touch with Tim? My team here in Nigeria is interested in using some of his techniques and will like to discuss with him.
Have you tried getting Bee Venom Therapy(BVA)? I started doing it this month and I feel the pain but the symptoms are becoming better than before. At first, I would feel throughout the day a headache but at the fourth time of the therapy I didn’t feel it anymore.
Is there a way to get email updates for this research?