Vaccine against drug addiction is under development and is proving to be effective

A vaccine against drug addiction is being developed by Scientists at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), this vaccine has shown promise in the fight against chemical dependency. Some tests were carried out, and they showed that the antibodies can be passed on to the fetus, which will be effective for babies of pregnant women who use drugs.

The neuropediatrician Liubiana Arantes said that if Brazil takes the lead, developing a vaccine that can even protect babies, it will be preventing several other health problems for that baby, and several other public health problems, intelligence, general health, long term.

At the moment, the researchers only carried out the tests on animals, to test them on humans, they need a green light from Anvisa, but the request has not yet been sent.

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_{Vaccine against drug addiction being developed by UFMG may be effective in babies of pregnant users (Photo: Reproduction/Pixabay)}

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One of the UFMG researchers, Raissa Lima, reported that: “We have already completed the pre-clinical phases regarding safety and efficacy in rodent and non-rodent animals, which are non-human primates. We have already identified the efficacy of this vaccine in these animals and also the safety of this vaccine.”

The work can be completed in two or even three years, but the researchers believe that this can happen if they get more resources.

The vaccine made by the researchers was developed from modified molecules of the drug itself. As this experiment was done on animals, it showed that the vaccine induced the immune system to produce antibodies that bound to the drug that was already present in the animals’ bloodstream. As a result, the bond increased the size of the drug’s molecules, which prevented them from passing through the blood-brain barrier, a structure that is responsible for regulating the transport of substances between the blood and the central nervous system.

As it did not reach the brain, the animal ended up not feeling the effects of the drug. Because of this, doctors presume that, in this way, in the experience with humans, the desire to consume crack and cocaine is radically reduced.

Featured Photo: Vaccine against drug addiction is under development and is proving to be effective (Photo: Reproduction/UFMG Medical School)