Researchers 'getting closer' to trials of vaccine for opioid addictionApril 13, 2018 - 17:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Researchers at the University of Minnesota are getting closer to clinical trials of a vaccine for opioid addiction, the star Tribune reports. Three studies published in the past six months show incremental success, including one in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics that demonstrated that a vaccine could prevent oxycodone and heroin opioid molecules from reaching the brain. “We are getting closer,” said Marco Pravetoni, the lead researcher who has been studying a vaccine to treat addiction for 10 years. A vaccine to confront addiction might sound unusual, but it would work like any vaccine by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies. Instead of targeting influenza or poliovirus, the antibodies would be coaxed to bind to opioid molecules and prevent them from crossing the bloodstream barrier to the brain. If successful, this approach would prevent or reduce the euphoric and addictive effects of opioids, but also the therapeutic and painkilling benefits. As a result, the vaccine would likely need to be reserved for people with known addictions, said Pravetoni of the Department of Pharmacology. “There are ethical concerns to immunizing people preventively for something like drug abuse.” The vaccine also would be administered periodically — more like a seasonal flu shot than a pediatric series. Another challenge has been developing the vaccine in a way that inhibits certain opioids, but permits opioid treatment drugs such as methadone and buprenorphine to work. In Minnesota, there has been a sixfold increase in deaths in the past 20 years from the misuse and abuse of opioids — both illicit forms such as heroin and prescription painkillers such as oxycodone. Recent increases in federal funding and focus on the opioid epidemic could expedite vaccine development. Pravetoni said he expects he will soon seek additional federal funding for clinical trials. “Its going to take a while before its going to be out there and available to the public,” he said. “That’s my cautionary statement. We really believe in this, but it’s not going to be ready tomorrow.” Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |