Vaccines Could Help Treat Cocaine Addiction by Preventing Drug Entry into the Brain

Preliminary trials of a novel vaccine aimed at blocking cocaine’s access to the brain indicate a potential reduction in drug consumption.

In a 32-week study featuring monthly vaccinations, urine samples from seven vaccinated participants showed a 17% higher likelihood of testing negative for cocaine compared to three individuals who received a placebo injection, according to Stephen Kaminski from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. “All enrolled individuals were deemed to have severe addiction.”