“We believe these findings could have a significant impact on a very serious problem that has plagued society for years – opioid abuse. Our vaccine is able to produce anti-fentanyl antibodies that bind to the consumed fentanyl and block it to enter the brain,” he said. Houston associate professor of psychology Colin Hale said in a news release Tuesday. Hale’s comments come after the university published a study on a potential fentanyl vaccine, a welcome anecdote amid a crisis that has claimed the lives of thousands of Americans. AS US FENTANYL DEATHS SKY, MISCONCEPTIONS REMAIN An estimated 150 people die each day from synthetic opioid overdose deaths. (University of Houston) The lead researcher said the vaccine was developed for people who are addicted to fentanyl and are trying to quit, noting that the vaccine can eliminate both the euphoric effect and the lethal effect of the drug. “The person will not feel the euphoric effects and may be ‘hopping back on the wagon’ to sobriety,” Hale said. The vaccine could also benefit people accidentally exposed to fentanyl, such as police and other first responders who reported overdoses after responding to fentanyl-related calls. According to the press release, the vaccine caused no unwanted side effects in rats in laboratory studies, opening the door for human clinical trials soon. Fentanyl pills at a Border Patrol checkpoint near Gila Bend. (Arizona Department of Public Safety) FENTANYL LEADS OVERDOSE DEATHS TO SLIGHTLY INCREASE IN NATION’S OPIOID EPIDEMIC Hale said the vaccine is designed specifically for fentanyl, meaning patients could be treated for pain with other opioids after receiving the vaccine. “The anti-fentanyl antibodies were specific to fentanyl and a derivative of fentanyl and did not cross-react with other opioids, such as morphine. This means that a vaccinated person could be treated for pain relief with other opioids,” Hale said. . Fentanyl has become a major driver of the opioid crisis in the US in the last year, as it is often added to other street drugs and is potentially lethal in small doses. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Narcan Nasal Spray. (Fox News) Developing a vaccine specifically for fentanyl helps solve that problem, said Houston psychology professor Therese Kosten, who called the vaccine a “game changer.” “Fentanyl use and overdose is a particular treatment challenge that is not adequately addressed with current medications due to its pharmacodynamics, and management of acute overdose with short-acting naloxone is not adequately effective as multiple doses of naloxone are often required to reverse lethal effects. effects of fentanyl. ” said Kosten, senior author of the study. Michael Lee is a writer at Fox News. Follow him on Twitter @UAMichaelLee
