Researchers report breakthrough discovery of new vaccine targeting fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid. Blocks the ability of fentanyl to enter the brain, clearing the drug “high”.
Research suggests that new vaccines can prevent deadly opioids from entering the brain.
A new vaccine has been developed that targets the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl. This fentanyl may block the ability to enter the brain and eliminate the drug “high”. This breakthrough discovery could have a significant impact on the national opioid epidemic by becoming a relapse preventative for those trying to stop using opioids. Studies have shown that opioid use disorder (OUD) is treatable, but an estimated 80% of people dependent on the drug will relapse. The vaccine was developed by a research team led by the University of Houston.
recently published in a magazine pharmacyThe findings were not timely or in high demand: More than 150 people die every day from overdoses of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, which is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Depending on your body size, ingesting about 2 milligrams of fentanyl (the equivalent of two grains of rice) can be fatal.
Dr. Colin Heil, Associate Professor of Psychology Research at the University of Houston and University of Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), is also a founding member of the UH Drug Discovery Laboratory. Haile reports breakthrough fentanyl his vaccine to be a ‘game-changer’ for opioid addiction.Credit: University of Houston
“We believe these findings could have a major impact on a very serious problem that has plagued society for years: opioid misuse. It produces anti-fentanyl antibodies that bind to fentanyl, preventing it from entering the brain and allowing it to be excreted out of the body via the kidneys. I can do it. hmm and a founding member of the Texas Institute of Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), hmm Drug discovery research institute.
In another positive finding, the vaccine caused no adverse side effects in immunized rats involved in laboratory studies. and plans to start clinical trials in humans soon.
Fentanyl is a particularly dangerous threat as it is also often used in counterfeit street drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and other opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets, as well as benzodiazepines such as Xanax. These counterfeit drugs laced with fentanyl increase the amount of fentanyl overdose in individuals who do not normally consume opioids.
In the lab: Therese Kosten Professor of Psychology and Director of the Developmental, Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Colin Haile Research Associate Professor of Psychology, Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES) , UH Drug Discovery Laboratories.Credit: University of Houston
“Anti-fentanyl antibodies were specific to fentanyl and fentanyl derivatives and did not cross-react with other opioids such as morphine. You can,” said Haile.
The tested vaccine contains an E. coli-derived adjuvant named dmLT. Adjuvant molecules enhance the immune system’s response to vaccines, a key factor for the efficacy of anti-toxic vaccines. This adjuvant was developed by collaborators at the Tulane University School of Medicine and has proven to be essential for vaccine efficacy. Also on the team are Greg Cunney, Joseph P. and Shirley Shipman-Buckley Endowed Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences. hmm Researcher at the School of Pharmacy and Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Current treatments for OUD are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, and their effectiveness depends on prescribing, compliance, access to medication, and the specific misused opioid.
Therese Kosten, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Developmental, Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Program, said: hmmcalling the new vaccine a potential ‘game-changer’.
“Fentanyl use and overdose is a particular therapeutic challenge that is not adequately addressed by current medicines because of its pharmacodynamics, and multiple doses of naloxone are required to reverse the lethal effects of fentanyl.” Management of acute overdose with short-acting naloxone is not adequately effective because it is often necessary to take naloxone,” said Kosten, senior author of the study.
Reference: “Immune conjugate vaccine alters distribution and reduces antinociceptive, behavioral and physiological effects of fentanyl in male and female rats.” Colin N. Haile, Miah D. Baker, Sergio A. Sanchez , Carlos A. Lopez Arteaga, Anantha L. Duddupudi, Gregory D. Cuny, Elizabeth B. Norton, Thomas R. Kosten, Therese A. Kosten, 26 October 2022, pharmacy.
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112290
The research was conducted through the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Disorders Program administered by RTI International’s Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders Alliance for Drug Therapy, which has funded Heil’s lab for several years to develop an anti-fentanyl vaccine. Funded by the Department of Defense.
