The University of Houston has announced a breakthrough vaccine which could stop fentanyl’s effects from reaching the brain and eliminate its potential for being fatal.
We believe that these findings may have a significant impact upon a serious problem that has plagued society for many years: opioid misuse. Colin Haile, University of Houston associate professor of Psychology, stated in a Tuesday press release that the vaccine can generate anti-fentanyl antibody antibodies that bind to the fentanyl consumed and block it from entering the brain.
Haile’s comments follow a university study on a possible fentanyl vaccination. This is a welcome anecdote in a crisis that has claimed thousands of lives.
US FENTANYL SKYROCKET, FENTANYL MISCONCEPTIONS REMAIN
Every day, around 150 people are killed by synthetic opioid-related overdose deaths. (University of Houston).
Lead researcher stated that the vaccine was designed for those who have a fentanyl addiction and are trying to quit. He also noted that it can eliminate both the fatal and euphoric effects of .
Haile stated that the individual won’t feel the euphoric effects, and can “get back on the wagon” to sobriety.
People who have been accidentally exposed to Fentanyl, such as first responders and police officers, could benefit from the vaccine.
The press release stated that the vaccine had no adverse side effects in laboratory studies on rats. This opens the possibility of clinical trials with humans very soon.
Border Patrol checkpoint near Gila Bend, Fentanyl pills (Arizona Department of Public Safety
FENTANYL SURGES IN US OVERDOSE DESTINATIONS IN WAKE of NATION’S EPIDEMIC
Haile stated that the vaccine was specifically designed for fentanyl. Patients could continue to be treated with opioids for pain after receiving the vaccine.
“The antifentanyl antibodies were only specific for fentanyl or a fentanyl derivative. They did not cross-react to other opioids such as morphine. Haile explained that a person who has been vaccinated would still be able receive pain relief using other opioids.
Fentanyl has been a major driver in the U.S. opioid epidemic. It is often added to street drugs and can be fatal in small amounts.
Click Here To Get FOX NEWS App
Narcan Nasal Spray. (Fox News)
According to Therese Kosten, a Houston psychologist, the development of a vaccine that specifically targets fentanyl is a solution. She called it a “game-changer.”
Kosten, who was a senior author on the study, stated that fentanyl overdose and use is a special treatment problem. Because of its pharmacodynamics, managing acute overdose with short-acting Naloxone is often not appropriate. He also said that multiple doses of naloxone are sometimes required to reverse the fatal effects of fentanyl.
