Stimulus money will fund nicotine vaccine trial

A $10-million grant to Nabi Pharmaceuticals of Rockville, Md., from the National Institute on Drug Abuse will fund a Phase 3 clinical trial of a new vaccine designed to prevent relapses among smokers -- the final step before the vaccine can be approved for general use. It is the first large trial of an anti-smoking vaccine.

The vaccine, called NicVax, stimulates the production of antibodies that bind to nicotine in the

bloodstream. The bound nicotine molecules are too large to enter the brain, thereby subverting the

rewarding effects of the drug. Preliminary studies have shown that smokers who achieved the highest level of nicotine antibodies had higher rates of quitting smoking and longer durations of abstinence than those given placebos. The vaccine was also well tolerated, with few side effects.

Some evidence suggests that the antibodies may persist for only six to 12 months, but that may be long enough to allow smokers to get through the extremely difficult first months of withdrawal.

Smoking is the largest cause of preventable deaths in the United States, with more than 400,000 deaths directly linked to it each year.

-- Thomas H. Maugh II

Photo credit: Burhan Ozbilici / Associated Press

Comments

[Jim]

Ive been a smoker of 13 years this would be great if i can finally quit

[steve]

i was on the phase 2 of this trial,
it works,
however the side effects are more than they let on.

[Justin Cuccio]

Not to get too far off subject... but I would like to point out that the CDC and the AMA as well as the Surgeon General have released data showing Obiesity to now be the number 1 cause of preventable death. SO lets heckel those fat people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ivette]

hi i am about to start the study on the nixvac in connecticut a series of blood draws mri brain cat scans let me know how yours was performed and any seriuos side effects thank you ivette

[Lisa Migliaccio]

I have to quit smoking i have copd its a matter of life or death, how do i get involved in the trial, any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Sara Allen]

I want to quit smoking (without too much stress) Can you help me?

[sean]

Hi Ivette and Jim, Do you know how to get in touch with the people who perform the clinical trials for NicVAX, and are you aware of any others? it is now 2/14/2010. thanks So much. Sean