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May 07, 2003

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Vaccine Tests to Prevent Cocaine Addicts' Relapse"

New York Newsday (www.newsday.com) (05/06/03) P. A43; Talan, Jamie

Several researchers at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons are conducting trials on a vaccine for cocaine addiction.  The product works differently from other vaccines in that it blocks cocaine in the bloodstream before it gets to the brain.  The immune system can therefore detect the drug because the vaccine attaches the cocaine molecules to larger molecules; without the vaccine, the cocaine molecules are too small for the immune system to detect.  Xenova Group medical director Dr. John St. Clair Roberts explains that the vaccine will not prevent cocaine use, but it could be beneficial in preventing relapse among people trying to quit.

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