The vaccine, known as “Calixcoca,” is a groundbreaking treatment developed by scientists in Brazil to combat cocaine and crack addiction. In addition to targeting drug dependency, this innovative vaccine stimulates the production of anti-cocaine antibodies in the body, effectively blocking the drugs from reaching the brain. The goal is to prevent addicts from experiencing the euphoric effects of cocaine, ultimately helping them break free from the cycle of addiction.
This groundbreaking research has received recognition and support, winning the prestigious Euro Health Innovation Awards for Latin American medicine, sponsored by Eurofarma, and receiving a substantial prize of €500,000. If approved for regulatory use, Calixcoca will mark the first time cocaine addiction is treated using a vaccine, offering hope and a new approach to combat this widespread problem.
The vaccine functions by triggering the patient’s immune system to create antibodies that bind to cocaine molecules present in the bloodstream. As a result, these antibodies render the cocaine too large to enter the brain’s mesolimbic system, also known as the “reward center,” which is responsible for inducing pleasure through dopamine release. Previous studies have been conducted in the United States, the world’s biggest consumer of cocaine, but were hindered by insufficient results. In contrast, Calixcoca has demonstrated significant success in animal testing, generating high levels of antibodies with minimal side effects.
Furthermore, promising findings revealed that the vaccine protected embryonic rats from the harmful effects of cocaine, suggesting its potential to safeguard unborn babies of addicted mothers. With successful animal testing behind them, researchers are now preparing to begin the final stage of trials, involving testing on humans.
Reshaping Addiction Treatment
Frederico Garcia, the project coordinator and psychiatrist at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil, envisions Calixcoca as a game-changer in addiction treatment. Currently, there is no registered specific treatment for cocaine and crack addiction, with a combination of counseling, social assistance, and rehabilitation being the standard approach. However, Garcia believes that incorporating Calixcoca into this regimen can provide an additional and crucial tool, particularly during critical stages of recovery, such as post-rehabilitation.
An advantage of Calixcoca is its cost-effectiveness. Unlike many vaccines, it is made using chemical compounds developed in the laboratory, eliminating the need for expensive biological ingredients and cold storage facilities.
However, Garcia emphasizes that while the vaccine holds great promise, it is not a universal solution. Its target group will ultimately depend on the outcome of clinical trials, but it is intended for recovering addicts committed to abstaining from cocaine. The objective is to combat the concerning statistic that one in four regular cocaine users becomes addicted, with only a quarter of addicts managing to quit after five years of treatment.
The anticipation surrounding Calixcoca is palpable, as evidenced by the overwhelming response from over 3,000 individuals who have volunteered to participate in the upcoming clinical trials. With the potential to reshape the approach to addiction treatment, this vaccine represents hope for overcoming the devastating effects of cocaine and crack addiction.
Watch the video above for more information on this groundbreaking research.
Video editor • Aisling Ní Chúláin
