The vaccines are a groundbreaking solution to combat opioid overdoses. Designed to protect against heroin and fentanyl, they stimulate the production of fentanyl-specific antibodies in the body. These antibodies bind the drug in the bloodstream, preventing it from reaching the brain.
Although currently tested on rats and pigs, the promising results indicate that these vaccines could offer a safe and long-lasting treatment for humans as well.
Dr. Jay Evans, the study author and director of the University of Montana’s Center for Translational Medicine, stated that human clinical trials are expected to begin in early 2024. These trials will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, as well as the duration of the opioid antibodies.
Starting with the lowest dose, the Phase I clinical trials prioritize safety. The process gradually progresses to higher doses that are both safe and effective. This meticulous approach ensures the vaccines’ reliability.
The vaccines utilize toll-like receptors (TLR7/8) and an adjuvant called INI-4001, which enhances their effectiveness. Dr. Evans explained that the vaccines could potentially provide immunity against overdose for several years, although this will be determined through human trials.
The opioid epidemic has been labeled as one of the worst public health disasters in North America. With fatal overdoses continuously rising, opioids were involved in over 80,000 overdose deaths in 2021 alone. While a vaccine won’t solve the crisis entirely, it can save lives in the meantime.
The results of the animal trial were published in the journal NPJ Vaccines.
