New Vaccine Aims to Combat Opioid Addiction
Overview of the Vaccine
A new vaccine that may prevent the euphoric and harmful effects of opioid use is entering phase I clinical trials, marking the first human testing of this type of vaccine. Developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota, this innovative approach could play a significant role in addressing the opioid overdose crisis. In 2016, Canada reported 2,861 opioid-related deaths, while nearly 50,000 deaths occurred in the United States in 2019. These alarming figures are believed to be linked to increased access to fentanyl and its derivatives.
Mechanism of Action
The vaccine is designed to diminish the euphoric effects typically associated with opioids. It prompts the body to initiate an immune response that results in the production of antibodies against oxycodone. When these antibodies bind to oxycodone, it prevents the drug from reaching its brain receptors, thus inhibiting the euphoric high. Researchers are optimistic that this immune response will lead to reduced opioid abuse.
Expert Insights
Lead investigator Sandra Comer remarked on the uniqueness of this medication, stating, “This medication approach is unique in that it can be used alone or in combination with other treatment medications and, importantly, may offer patients long-lasting protection against overdose if they relapse to opioid use.”
Previous Research Efforts
Targeting the immune response has been investigated in other critical studies aimed at mitigating the opioid crisis. One notable study tested a vaccine on mice and rats that effectively reduced the bradycardia and respiratory depression caused by fentanyl and sufentanil. Additionally, this vaccine demonstrated a decrease in self-administered fentanyl among rats, indicating a potential reduction in addiction.
Another study focused on monoclonal antibodies designed to target the pain-relieving effects of heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl in animal models. Treatment with these antibodies also lessened the respiratory and heart rate depression associated with fentanyl. Both the vaccine and monoclonal antibodies exhibited high specificity for their intended receptors, ensuring they do not interfere with other opioid-related treatments like naloxone.
Current Clinical Trials
The ongoing clinical trial is actively seeking healthy male and female volunteers aged 18 to 59 who are current heroin users. Conducted at Columbia University in New York City and Clinilabs in Eatontown, New Jersey, participants will be closely monitored for drug use and behavioral changes following treatment.
Potential Impact of the Vaccine
The development of a vaccine for opioid use disorders holds the promise of saving numerous lives. Gary Zammit, CEO of Clinilabs, emphasized the significance of this trial, stating, “Clinilabs is privileged to be working with the University of Minnesota Medical School and Columbia University on this ground-breaking trial. Exploring a preventative vaccine to treat opioid use disorder has the potential to be life-altering for patients and their families who are battling opioid abuse.”
Further Information
For details on participant inclusion criteria, interested individuals can visit the clinical trial website at https://recruit.cumc.columbia.edu/clinical_trial/2168.
References
1. Mendez, A. (2021). First-in-human clinical trial for a vaccine to treat opioid use disorders enrolled first patients. University of Minnesota Medical School. Accessed Sept. 7, 2021. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/927548.
2. National report: apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada (January 2016 to June 2017). (2017). Public Health Agency of Canada. Accessed on Sept. 12, 2021. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/apparent-opioid-related-deaths-report-2016-2017-december.html.
3. CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System, Mortality. CDC WONDER, Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2019. https://wonder.cdc.gov.
4. Robinson, C. et al. (2020). Therapeutic and Prophylactic Vaccines to Counteract Fentanyl Use Disorders and Toxicity. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry; 63(23): 14647-14667. Doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01042.
5. Baehr, C.A. et al. (2020). Monoclonal antibodies counteract opioid-induced behavioural and toxic effects in mice and rats. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Doi: 10.1124/jpet.120.000124.
6. Clinical Trials of Multivalent Opioid Vaccine Components. Columbia University Recruit Me. Accessed on Sept. 8 2021. Retrieved from https://recruit.cumc.columbia.edu/clinical_trial/2168.