Calixcoca vaccine is expected to lead to advances in the treatment of cocaine and meth addiction – Photo: barrons.com
According to AFP, an experimental vaccine called Calixcoca has shown promising results during tests on animals: It triggers an immune response that blocks cocaine and crystal meth from reaching the brain, causing “addictive effects.” . “I don’t feel drunk anymore.
Calixcoca works by activating the patient’s immune system, creating antibodies that attach to cocaine molecules in the blood. These molecules become larger so they can’t get into the brain’s pleasure system, where stimulants usually simulate feelings of pleasure to create dopamine.
Additionally, the vaccine also protected mouse embryos from exposure to cocaine, suggesting the possibility of a similar effect on the fetus.
Calixcoca is currently ready for human trials.
Psychiatrist Frederico Garcia, coordinator of the vaccine development team at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, said that if approved by regulators, it would be the first time cocaine addiction would be treated with a vaccine.
“There is no recognized specific treatment for cocaine and drug addiction. We currently combine psychological counselling, social support and rehabilitation as needed.
Calixcoa can be an important tool to assist patients during the critical recovery period, usually upon leaving a rehabilitation center. But it’s not a ‘panacea’ for everyone,” Mr Frederico said.
He also said that in theory, Calixcoca could be used for people who no longer use cocaine and want to continue their addiction.
Thousands of people voluntarily tried anti-addiction vaccines
Anti-addiction vaccines are produced using laboratory-made chemical compounds rather than traditional biological components. Therefore, Calixcoca will be less expensive than many other vaccines and will not require cold storage.
The research team aims to change the “sad statistics” about current addiction. According to the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1 in 4 people who regularly use cocaine will become addicted, and only 1 in 4 addicts will be able to quit after 5 years of treatment.
To date, more than 3,000 people have contacted Mr. Frederico’s team to volunteer to participate in clinical trials.
