Scientists of the American Scripps Research Institute have reached a breakthrough in developing a safe and effective vaccine . It is suitable both for the treatment of dependence on heroin, and for blocking a deadly overdose with this heavy drug. This is stated in their material, published in Molecular Pharmaceutics, writes Science Daily.
According to the researchers, the new anti-heroin drug, which has proved its safety in animal testing and is close to being ready for testing in humans, remains suitable at room temperature for at least 30 days.
The meaning of the vaccine is that it trains the antibodies of the immune system so that they can recognize and bind the molecules of heroin, thereby making it impossible to get into the brain and overdose. Scientists believe that blocking the maximum of heroin will help to save many of those who are treated relapse drug use.
By itself, the molecule of heroin does not cause the necessary natural reaction of the body, so researchers attach it to the carrier protein, which warns the immune system that it's time to start producing antibodies. Scientists also add to the vaccine an ingredient called an adjuvant, which increases the immune response and makes the drug more effective.
This could be cool...