Cutting edge addiction treatment

A Bermuda-based drug company is attempting to bring to market a vaccine against cocaine. This is stunning and welcome news for individuals and healthcare professionals affected by the current crack epidemic.

TA-CD stimulates the increase of antibodies to cocaine in the bloodstream. The antibodies bind to the cocaine molecules and the resultant molecules are too large to reach the brain.

The theory behind this novel treatment is that if the pleasurable effects of the ingestion of cocaine are substantially reduced or eliminated the positive reinforcement that the body associates with cocaine will be blunted. This can give the addict an opportunity to break the cycle of addiction and abuse.

This same company is also representing TA-NIC, a vaccine which will hopefully do the same thing for non-smokers looking to break the habit. Seems like a logical next step that the tobacco industry should step up to the plate and put some money into developing this one.

You can read more about these two developing products here