They develop a fentanyl vaccine that could block its ability to enter the brain. A research team led by University of Houston, USA, has developed a vaccine that targets the synthetic opioid fentanyl which blocks its ability to enter the brain, thereby eliminating the drug’s “high” effect.
An innovation that would make it possible to combat the growing drug crisis in the United States. Although research reveals that the eating disorder use of opioids It is treatable, it is estimated that 80% of people addicted to the drug relapse.
Fentanyl, a drama in the USA
More than 150 people die every day in the United States from synthetic opioid overdoses., including fentanyl, which is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Consuming about 2 milligrams of fentanyl, the equivalent in size of two grains of rice, can be fatal depending on a person’s weight.
AndFentanyl is an opioid for the treatment of pain associated with cancer, among other diseases. It is one of the drugs that worries the US authorities the most. Authorities believe the number of fentanyl-related deaths could be even higher because the drug is behind many heroin overdoses.
Another positive result is that the vaccine did not cause any adverse side effects in laboratory tests with immunized rats. The team plans to begin manufacturing the clinical-grade vaccine in the coming months, with clinical trials in humans.
Fentanyl is a particularly dangerous threat because it is often added to street drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine and other opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone/acetaminophen pills, and even counterfeit benzodiazepines such as Xanax. These drugs spiked with fentanyl exponentially increase the likelihood of overdose in people who do not regularly use opioids.
Current treatments to combat fentanyl addiction are methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone, and patient compliance, access to various medications, and the specific opioid consumed largely depend on their effectiveness.
