US develop Jab to quit drug addiction

Jan 07, 2011 |

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London: A shot that could help drug addicts break the vicious habit has been developed by the US researchers.

The team produced a lasting anti-cocaine immunity in mice by giving them a jab combining part of the common cold virus with a particle that mimics cocaine.

Study leader Ronald Crystal of Weill Cornell Medical College in the US said: "We think this approach could be very promising in fighting addiction in humans."

Crystal, the journal Molecular Therapy reports, said the immune response in lab mice produced by the jab binds to cocaine molecules before the drug reaches their brains, pre-empting any cocaine-related hyperactivity, according to the Daily Mail.

The scientist said the vaccine effect lasted for at least 13 weeks, the longest time point evaluated. He added that there is currently no approved vaccine for drug addiction.

Cocaine is a Class A drug, which is illegal to possess, give away or sell. It is a stimulant with a powerful, but very short-lived effect. This can lead to over-confidence and risky behaviour.

The white powder, also known as coke, charlie and snow, raises the body temperature, makes the heart beat faster and can stave off feelings of hunger.

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