A new study has found a vaccine used to stop the high of fentanyl from reaching the brain to be effective on rats. Anti-fentanyl antibodies bind to the fetanyl as it enters the body and does not allow it to attach to receptors. Therefore the user wouldn’t feel the high and lose their desire to take more fentanyl.
This would be a huge step forward in the fight against the opioid epidemic that is hitting the US especially hard. As of now, methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are being used to help users ween off of their cravings, but they require a multi-step process and habit-forming themselves. This vaccine would be a one-step process.
In addition to this, the vaccine only effects fentanyl, meaning other pain relief options like morphine would still be possible.
Many questions remain, with how long does the vaccine last and can it combat against overdose topping the list. The team that created the vaccine is now working to manufacture clinical-grade versions in order to conduct human trials soon.
Read the original article at SciTechDaily.
