Brazilian scientists announced a breakthrough in drug addiction therapy with the development of a vaccine to combat crack cocaine and cocaine addiction in a nation with a notably high cocaine usage rate.
The cocaine vaccine, called "Calixcoca," is intended to elicit an immune response that stops cocaine and crack from entering the brain, thereby ending the cycle of addiction. It has shown considerable promise in animal testing, as per a report published by Barron's.
How Does It Work?
The basic idea behind Calixcoca is that crack addicts who get the vaccination will not get the euphoric high that comes with using the illegal substance. This method focuses on a highly addictive substance, demonstrating a fresh and potentially groundbreaking strategy for combating drug addiction worldwide.
The head of the Calixcoca team at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Psychiatrist Frederico Garcia, believes that should regulators give the go-ahead, it would be ground-breaking as this is the first time a vaccine would be used to treat cocaine dependency. The innovative therapy's potential impact is evidenced by making it to the top spot of the Euro Health Innovation Awards for Latin American Medicine.
The cocaine vaccine functions by instigating an immune response in patients, leading to the production of antibodies that latch onto cocaine particles present in the blood, per WION. Bigger molecules too large to pass through the brain's pleasure hub, known as the mesolimbic system, are formed as a result of this attachment. This region usually releases dopamine - a neurotransmitter linked with pleasure - due to cocaine.
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The results of studies on animals were positive, showing a significant rise in antibody levels against cocaine with few reported side effects. However, Calixcoca is currently being tested on humans. Surprisingly, the vaccination has also shown promise in shielding rat fetuses from the harmful effects of cocaine exposure during pregnancy, which may protect the unborn children of addicts who are pregnant.
Cocaine Vaccine Human Trials Coming Soon
The move to human trials is the next crucial stage for Calixcoca and will be a significant turning point in the creation of this innovative medicine. According to Dr. Garcia, the crack vaccination intends to help those who are "off cocaine and want to stay that way," the Daily Star reported.
Emphasizing the goal, the vaccine will soon address the immediate need for effective remedies for cocaine dependence rather than offering a generic solution. A quarter of cocaine users become addicted, and only one in four cease after five years of therapy, according to the US National Institute on Drug Abuse.
There is an increasing interest in the crack vaccine with over 3,000 volunteers showing enthusiasm in participating in its clinical trials. Calixcoca is beginning to get attention for its potential to revolutionize the area of drug addiction therapy and provide hope to those battling cocaine dependence.
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