May 30, 2000 – Research on an experimental vaccine has shown that it considerably reduces the effect of nicotine on both the brain and the cardiovascular system.
According to lead research author Dr. Paul Pentel, the vaccine works by causing the immune system to make antibodies that bind to nicotine very quickly and make it much less available. Thus less nicotine goes to the brain, thereby reducing the “pleasure” felt. According to the results of the study carried out on laboratory rats, two-thirds of the nicotine was blocked by the antibodies. The researchers also showed that the vaccine was specific for nicotine molecules.
It is believed that clinical studies could start within two years and the vaccine will be commercially available within five years.
HealthPassport.net
Prevention, June 2000
Pentel PR, Malin DH, Ennifar S, Hieda Y, Keyler DE, Lake JR, Milstein JR, Basham LE, Coy RT, Moon JW, Naso R, Fattom A. A nicotine conjugate vaccine reduces nicotine distribution to brain and attenuates its behavioral and cardiovascular effects in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2000 Jan 1; 65 (1): 191-8.
Hieda Y, Keyler DE, VanDeVoort JT, Niedbala RS, Raphael DE, Ross CA, Pentel PR. Immunization of rats reduces nicotine distribution to brain. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1999 Apr; 143 (2): 150-7.
