Story perspectives

Window Cleaner Survives 200 Snakebites to Develop Antivenom

4/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tim Friede, a 58-year-old window cleaner from Wisconsin, has endured over 200 snakebites to pursue a universal antivenom.
His journey began in 2001, when he self-administered venom and survived a coma.
He collaborates with Centivax to isolate antibodies from his blood for antivenom trials.
Snakebites cause about 138,000 deaths annually, disproportionately affecting impoverished communities in developing countries.
Climate change increases human-snake encounters, underscoring the urgency to deliver effective antivenom.

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Story summary

Tim Friede, a 58-year-old window cleaner from Wisconsin, has endured over 200 snakebites to pursue a universal antivenom.
His journey began in 2001, when he self-administered venom and survived a coma.
He collaborates with Centivax to isolate antibodies from his blood for antivenom trials.
Snakebites cause about 138,000 deaths annually, disproportionately affecting impoverished communities in developing countries.
Climate change increases human-snake encounters, underscoring the urgency to deliver effective antivenom.