The vaccine creates heroin antibodies, which bind to the drug in the blood and prevent it from crossing the blood-brain barrier and inducing euphoria. The vaccine proved effective in both rat and mouse preclinical trials. The vaccine also produced antibodies against hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone and codeine. However, the vaccine did not produce antibodies against medicines containing low doses of opioids, such as methadone, which are used to treat opioid addiction. This suggests the vaccine could be used concurrently with such treatments.
“Although we are still in the early phase, this study suggests that vaccination can be used together with standard therapies to prevent the withdrawal and craving symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal,” said Gary Matyas, PhD, chief of adjuvants and formulations for the U.S. Military Research Program at Walter Reed.
More articles on opioids:
South Carolina governor declares opioid crisis public health emergency
Report: Purdue Pharma used ‘Wizard of Oz’ film to first market OxyContin to patients, physicians
Three physician perspectives on the opioid crisis
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
