Scientists from Brazil plan to test a vaccine for the treatment of cocaine addiction in humans

Scientists from Brazil have completed preclinical trials of a vaccine against cocaine and crack addiction. Sandra Regina Goulart Almeida, Rector of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), told Izvestia about this in an interview. According to her, the safety and effectiveness of the drug were confirmed during the preclinical stage. The scientists plan to conduct human trials after obtaining permission from the Brazilian authorities.

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"We are talking about a therapeutic vaccine. It will be a drug that prompts the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to cocaine in the bloodstream. As a result, the drug turns into a large molecule that does not cross the blood—brain barrier," Sandra Regina Goulart Almeida told Izvestia.

She also reported on the development of a drug from Brazilian spider venom for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in men and women. Using a toxin from this venom, UFMG specialists synthesized a smaller molecule that acts topically and is non-toxic. The specialists are now awaiting the approval of the competent authorities in order to begin the third and final phase before the drug is released to the market. It is held with the participation of a large number of people.

Read more in an exclusive interview with Izvestia:

"The effectiveness of the drug for the treatment of cocaine and crack addiction has been confirmed"