Venom Man

Tim Friede, a Wisconsin man, has injected himself with snake venom for over 20 years, believing it has made him immune to deadly snakebites. Starting with small doses of cobra venom, he has gradually increased the quantity and variety, now using venom from multiple species of cobras, mambas, and even taipans. Friede’s unorthodox practice stems from a desire to develop an alternative to traditional antivenom, which is expensive and often inaccessible in remote areas. He believes his self-immunization process stimulates his body to produce antibodies that neutralize the venom's toxins. While he has experienced severe reactions, including intense pain, swelling, and temporary paralysis, he claims these are temporary and worth the potential benefits. He has worked with researchers who study his blood and analyze the antibodies produced in response to the venom injections. These studies aim to understand how his body neutralizes the venom and potentially develop new antivenoms or therapies. Despite the potential benefits, Friede's practice is considered extremely dangerous and is strongly discouraged by medical professionals. Snake venom is highly potent, and the effects of repeated injections are unpredictable. There is a significant risk of severe allergic reactions, organ damage, and death. Although research has been conducted using his blood, scientists emphasize that his self-experimentation is not a safe or reliable path to developing effective antivenoms. find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/man-injected-himself-venom-hundreds-175903014.html