Anti-cocaine vaccine: a new, possible weapon against addiction

There dependence on cocaine represents one of the More complex challenges for modern medicine, with high recurrence rates e few really effective therapies. Now, however, a small, but promising but promising American clinical trial has opened a new way: An experimental vaccine that prevents cocaine from reaching the brain. The first results, reports the authoritative magazine New Scientistsuggest that this strategy could significantly reduce drug use. The study, conducted at Weill Cornell Medical College in New Yorkinvolves patients with severe dependence. An important progress in a sector where therapeutic solutions are still dramatically limited.

How the new anti-cocaine vaccine acts

The vaccine acts stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to cocaine in the blood, forming Complexes too large to cross the blood-brain barrier and therefore preventing the substance from reaching the brain. During a Trial lasted 32 weeksseven people received monthly vaccine injectionswhile three have received a placebo. Urine analysis showed that Vaccinated subjects had 17% more likely to be negative to cocaine compared to the group treated with placebo only. This data indicates one reduction of drug use among vaccinated. The participants were all considered severely employeeswhich makes the results even more encouraging. Despite the small number of trial participants, the American study represents a important step forward. Further searches on wider champions They will be fundamental to confirm their effectiveness and safety. If validated, this vaccine could transform into an innovative weapon To counteract a historically difficult dependence to be treated.