Scientists Create New Vaccine for Cocaine Addiction
- nypost.com
If the vaccine attains regulatory approval, it would be the first time cocaine addiction has been treated using a vaccine.Â
Psychiatrist Frederico Garcia, head of the team that developed the treatment at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil said while attempts had been made to create a similar shot in the United States, they were halted when results from clinical trials were not strong enough.
So far, Calixcoca has proved to be effective in tests on animals, generating antibodies against cocaine with minimal side effects.
It is now due to enter human trials, and Dr Garcia said more than 3,000 people have contacted his team to volunteer in the clinical trials.
Last week, the vaccine won the top prize - half a million dollars - at the Euro Health Innovation awards for Latin American medicine.Â
"There is currently no registered treatment for cocaine and crack addiction and an addict's only option is a combination of psychological counseling, social assistance and rehabilitation," dr Garcia said.Â
Ilustrasi paket kokain.
- Istimewa
The vaccine would assist patients at their most critical stages of recovery, such as when they leave rehab, he added.
It was also found to protect rat fetuses against cocaine, researchers found, suggesting it could be given to pregnant addicts to protect their unborn babies.Â
The shot is made entirely from chemical compounds designed in a lab, rather than biological ingredients, which is how many other vaccines, like some for cancer, are made.Â
This means it is cheaper to make and does not have to be stored at low temperatures.
If approved, the vaccine will not be available to everyone, Dr Garcia said, but will go to recovering addicts who have stopped taking cocaine and want to stay off the drug.
In the United States, cocaine is a Schedule II substance, alongside fentanyl, methamphetamines and morphine. In the United Kingdom, it is a Class A drug or among those with the highest potential for abuse.
