Cocaine vaccine

Cocaine antidote tested on mice
CNews R&D based on materials from Weill Cornell Medical College:
Vaccine Blocks Cocaine High in Mice 

The experimental vaccine neutralizes the stimulating effect of cocaine on mice. Perhaps in the future it will help those who want to get rid of drug addiction.

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College (New York) have developed a vaccine that, when administered, produces antibodies in mice that bind cocaine molecules before they enter the brain. Despite the fact that antibodies cannot neutralize all the cocaine that has entered the body, they significantly reduce the excitement experienced by animals when taking the drug.

Scientists injected mice with three injections of cocaine for six weeks. Some of the animals were injected with a placebo, and the rest were given an experimental vaccine, which is a combination of cocaine–like compound molecules and adenovirus particles that stimulate the immune response, but do not cause disease. A few weeks later, the mice were injected with cocaine again.

Antibodies formed in the organisms of vaccinated animals that received the maximum dose of the drug stopped about 60% of the cocaine molecules on their way to the brain. This effect was manifested by obvious behavioral changes. Cocaine usually makes mice hyperactive. During this experiment, after injecting cocaine, unvaccinated mice stood on their feet or ran most of the time. In contrast, vaccinated animals spent 50% and 30% less time in motion or standing, respectively, which corresponds to the behavior of normal, non-stoned animals.

The authors plan to continue testing the vaccine on rats and monkeys. They believe that in a year or two the approach they have developed can already be tested in clinical trials.

The most obvious application of this strategy is its use to get rid of the addiction of people who want it and take part in the relevant programs.

Experts warn that the anti-cocaine vaccine should be thoroughly tested, since it is unclear whether a banal increase in the dose of the drug can neutralize its effect. However, they all hold the opinion that any additional approach can increase the chances of getting rid of drug addiction for those who really strive for it.

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25.01.2011