Scientists Creating Vaccines Blocking and Eliminating Cocaine Addiction in Rats

Researchers have produced an anti-cocaine lasting immunity in mice by giving them a safe vaccine, a combination of bit parts with a common cold virus particles that mimic cocaine.

In their study, published online in the January 4 issue of Molecular Therapy and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the researchers say that this strategy may be the first new offering in cocaine addicts a fairly simple way to stop and reverse their habits, and may also be useful in treating other addictions such as nicotine, heroin and other opiates.

"Our data shows very dramatically that we were able to protect mice against the effects of cocaine, and we think this approach could be very promising in the fight against addiction in humans," said the study's lead researcher, Dr.. Ronald G. Crystal, chairman and professor of genetic medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

He said that the resulting antibody immune response in laboratory mice by this vaccine is binding, and lock up, the molecules of cocaine before the drug reaches the brain of this animal - and prevent any sort associated with hyperactivity of cocaine. The impact of this vaccine lasts for at least 13 weeks, longest time point evaluated.

"While other efforts in producing immunity to cocaine has been sought, this is the first one probably will not need a lot of expensive infusion, and can move quickly into human trials," said Dr.. Crystal. "There is currently no FDA-approved vaccines for drug addiction."

"A successful approach is indispensable for cocaine addiction, which is a compromise issues around the world," he added. "There is no current therapy."

New from this treatment may be related to chemical structure very similar to cocaine, to the components of adenovirus, the common cold virus. In this way, the human immune system to be vigilant against infectious agents (viruses), but also learn to "see" the crack cocaine as well as an intruder, he said. Crystal. Having recently recognized the intruder structure, built of natural immunity against cocaine particles, so that every time he snorted cocaine or used in any way, antibodies against the substance is quickly produced and ingested cocaine by the antibody molecule and preventing it from reaching the brain.

"The human immune system does not naturally recognize cocaine as something to be destroyed - just like all small molecule drugs are not eliminated by antibodies," he said. "We have engineered this response so that it can fight the cocaine."

In this study, a team of researchers - scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University in Ithaca, and the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California - unload an adenovirus, just take the components that cause immune reactions and discard the parts that produce disease. They then link the analogue of cocaine on these proteins to make vaccines. "We're using an analog of cocaine as a bit more stable than cocaine, and also led to better immunity," said Dr.. Crystal.

Researchers then injected the virus into the billions of potions in the laboratory rat "parks" (rats are not genetically engineered). They found a strong immune response generated against the vaccine, and these antibodies, if placed in the test tube, capable of devouring cocaine.

They then tested the vaccine effect on behavior, and found that mice that received the vaccine before it was given less hyperactive cocaine to the drug than mice not vaccinated. The effect was even seen in rats that received cocaine repeatedly in large doses. Proportionately, reflecting the number of cocaine doses that can be used by humans.

This vaccine should be tested in humans, of course, he said. Crystal, but he predicts that if successful, will serve very well to people already addicted to cocaine and who try to stop using drugs. "This vaccine can help them get rid of the habit, because if they use cocaine, the immune response to destroy the drug before it reaches the brain's pleasure center."

In addition to Dr.. Crystal, author of the study include Martin J. Hicks, Bishnu P. De, Jonathan B. Rosenberg, Jesse T. Davidson, Neil R. Hackett, Stephen M. Kaminsky and Miklos Toth from Weill Cornell Medical College; Jason G. Mezey of Weill Cornell Medical College and Cornell University in Ithaca, NY; Amira Y. Moreno, Kim D. Widow, Sunmee Wee and George F. Koob of the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California

The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) from the National Institutes of Health.

Cocaine Vaccine Blocker High Levels In Mice

ScienceDaily (Jan. 5, 2011) - Researchers have produced an anti-cocaine lasting immunity in mice by giving them a safe vaccine that combines bits from the common cold virus particles that mimic the cocaine.


Cocaine Vaccine Blocker

In their study, published January 4, 2011 in the online issue of Molecular Therapy and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abusev, the researchers said the new strategy is probably the first to offer a cocaine addict with a fairly simple way to break and reverse their habits, and perhaps also useful in treating other addictions, such as nicotine, heroin and other opiates.

"Our data demonstrate very dramatically that we can protect mice against the effects of cocaine, and we think this approach could be very promising in the fight against addiction in humans," said the study's principal investigator, Dr. Ronald G. Crystal, chairman and professor of genetic medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

He said the resulting antibody immune response in laboratory mice by this vaccine is binding, and held, cocaine molecules before the drug reaches the brain of these animals - and prevent any sort associated with hyperactivity of cocaine. The impact of the vaccine lasts for at least 13 weeks, the longest time point evaluated.

"While other attempts at producing immunity to cocaine have been tried, this is the first that will probably not require much, expensive infusion, and can move quickly into human trials," says Dr. Crystal. "There is currently no FDA-approved vaccines for drug addiction."

"A successful approach is indispensable for cocaine addiction, which is a matter of compromise throughout the world," he added. "There is no current therapy."

The novelty of this treatment possible is that it hooks a chemical structure very similar to cocaine, to the components of adenovirus, a common cold virus. In this way, the human immune system is vigilant against infectious agents (viruses), but also learn to "see" cocaine as an intruder, Dr. Crystal said. Once the structure of the new intruders are recognized, to build a natural immunity to the particles of cocaine, so every time snorting cocaine or used in any way, antibodies against the substance quickly produced and cocaine molecules are engulfed by the antibody and is prevented from reaching the brain.

"The human immune system are not naturally tag cocaine as something to be destroyed - like all small molecule drugs are not eliminated by antibodies," he said. "We've engineered it so that the response against cocaine mimics."

In this study, a team of researchers - scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University in Ithaca, and the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California - unload an adenovirus, just take the components that cause immune reactions and discard those that produce disease. They then link the analogue of cocaine on these proteins to make vaccines. "We're using an analog of cocaine as a bit more stable than cocaine, and also led to better immunity," says Dr. Crystal.

The researchers then injected the virus into the billions of these herbs in a "garden variety" laboratory mice (mice not genetically modified). They found a strong immune response generated against the vaccine, and these antibodies, if placed in the test tube, eating cocaine.

They then tested the vaccine effect on behavior, and found that mice that received the vaccine prior to cocaine less hyperactive, while on the drug than mice not vaccinated. The effect was even seen in rats that received large, repeated doses of cocaine. Proportionally reflect the amount of cocaine doses that humans can use.

This vaccine should be tested in humans, of course, said Dr. Crystal, but he predicts that if successful, it will function best in a person who was addicted to cocaine and who try to stop using drugs. "This vaccine can help them kick the habit because if they use cocaine, the immune response to destroy the drug before it reaches the brain's pleasure center."

In addition to Dr. Crystal, author of the study include Martin J. Hicks, Bishnu P. De, Jonathan B. Rosenberg, Jesse T. Davidson, Neil R. Hackett, Stephen M. Kaminsky and Miklos Toth from Weill Cornell Medical College; Jason G. Mezey of Weill Cornell Medical College and Cornell University in Ithaca, NY; Amira Y. Moreno, Kim D. Widow, Sunmee Wee and George F. Koob of the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California

The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) from the National Institutes of Health.

Sources:
ScienceDaily (January 5, 2011)

Cocaine Addiction Rehab That Works

Cocaine addiction rehab can be a scary concept for anyone. After all, until you have to deal with it, most people do not know what's in store for them. And let's face it, if you or someone you love is at a point in their life that cocaine rehab treatment is imminent you are probably dealing with a lot of emotional issues. In fact, you may even be struggling with other problems in your life. The reality is that most people do not seek help until they feel everything in their life is out of control. This may include problems with health, there could be work related problems, money issues, legal concerns, relationship problems, or basically anything else in the person's life. At 4Rehabilitation.com we understand the struggles that people are dealing with at such a time.

A phone call to one of our experienced addiction counselors is a great way to get started on your way to help. Our addiction counselors can help you in finding the right drug addiction treatment program for you or your loved one. And you can call anytime. The number is 800-380-6812. We also offer a ‘free assessment form' at our site. And you don't have to worry; all of your personal information will be kept confidential and private.

By the time help is sought the addict's life is in turmoil. This often includes financial problems. In fact, in today's world, many of us have financial difficulties. 4Rehabilitation.com offers a payment plan as well as financing for those that are uninsured or under insured. This is our way of ensuring that all who want help can get it. We have some clients seeking crack-cocaine rehab using the payment plan and we have clients in need of oxycontin drug treatment using the payment plan. It's available to everyone.

Another aspect of our program is the fact that it is open ended. This means that a group of individuals may come in at the same time for cocaine addiction rehab but that does not necessarily mean they will leave at the same time. In fact, that is unlikely. People recover at different rates. One person in for cocaine rehab treatment may recover much quicker than the others. This is not exclusive to cocaine addicts. The same is true for individuals seeking crack-cocaine rehab or any other type of drug treatment. Some wounds heal faster than others and some people just seem to be stronger emotionally and healthier physically. That is why a fixed time frame is not a good idea for drug addiction treatment programs.

Cocaine Addiction Rehab

Cocaine Addiction

Both a stimulant to the central nervous system and an appetite suppressant, users describe its effects as a euphoric sense of happiness and energy; this intense high is immediately followed by opposite, intense feelings of depression, edginess and a craving for more of the drug. The technical reason for the euphoric sensation comes about because when stimulating the central nervous system, cocaine interferes with the re-absorption process of dopamine. This buildup of dopamine cause continuous stimulation of receiving neurons, thus the euphoria. Cocaine also interferes with the way the brain processes chemicals so users need to use it more and more just to feel normal. Thus you have businessmen losing everything just to keep their high going; street users stealing to support their habit; and teens lying and stealing from their own parents even though they’ve been given everything for a happy life.

Cocaine Side Effects

Addiction can be quick and hard to break. Attempts to stop can be overwhelming resulting in depression. While heavy users intensify their high, they may also experience bizarre, erratic and violent behavior. These users may also experience muscle twitches, paranoia, anxiety, panic attacks, tremors and vertigo.
Long-term use can damage the brain and other organs.
Smoking cocaine can lead to chest pain, breathing difficulties, chronic cough and lung trauma and bleeding, acute respiratory problems, sleeplessness, headaches.
Chronic abuse includes severe cardiovascular problems including heart failure, brain hemorrhaging, strokes, and psychosis.
Cocaine destroys male sexual performance and can eventually cause impotence.

Signs of Cocaine Use

Signs to look for if you believe someone you know is using cocaine are: red, bloodshot eyes; a runny nose or frequent sniffling; a change in friends and in school grades or behavior; a change in normal eating and sleeping patterns; acting withdrawn or depressed and losing interest in those things he or she use to enjoy. A big red flag is the need for more money more frequently. Cocaine while readily available to all age brackets in smaller doses to get them started, is nonetheless expensive as a habit because they will eventually need more and more to sustain their habit. Regular users can speed hundreds, even thousands of dollars on Cocaine each week.

Some users affectionately call the drug “snow” and have described the high as the best feeling ever, as a euphoric sense of happiness along with increased energy. Taken in small amounts, cocaine can make the user talkative, mentally alert especially to sound, sight and touch; while others experience the opposite effect. Either which way, the experience is short lived. Many users of cocaine often don’t eat or sleep properly and can experience increased heart rate, increased temperature and blood pressure, muscle spasms and convulsions. Interestingly enough, as euphoric as the drug can make it’s users feel, this same drug can make people feel paranoid, angry, hostile and anxious, even when not high. Persons with pre-existing conditions are at an even higher risk as because just using cocaine once could induce a heart attack or stroke.

It has also been reported that users on a cocaine binge where the drug is taken repeatedly and in increasing doses, can experience increasing irritability, restlessness, and paranoia which could result in a full-blown paranoid psychosis where the person has lost his grip on reality and starts experiencing auditory hallucinations.

Not only does cocaine continue to be one of society's biggest problems with its addicted users doing whatever they have to in order to get their next fix creating physical and psychological ill effects on good portion of the population, but one of the greatest dangers associated with cocaine is the illegal drug trafficking between wholesalers in the United States and the distributors Columbia or other cocaine producing countries. The violence which goes hand in hand with these drug lords has taken its toll on way too many lives.

From www.cocaineaddictiononline.com