Nicotine vaccine

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Nicotine vaccine is a type of vaccine that is currently under research and development to aid in the cessation of smoking. The vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies that bind to nicotine molecules, preventing them from crossing the blood-brain barrier and reaching the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. This effectively reduces the pleasurable effects of nicotine and helps to curb the addiction.

Mechanism of action

The nicotine vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies that bind to nicotine molecules. These antibodies are large proteins that are unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. When they bind to nicotine molecules in the bloodstream, they prevent the nicotine from crossing the barrier and reaching the brain. This effectively reduces the pleasurable effects of nicotine and helps to curb the addiction.

Development and research

Several nicotine vaccines are currently under development and research. These include NicVAX, developed by Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, and TA-NIC, developed by Celtic Pharma. Both of these vaccines have undergone Phase II clinical trials, with mixed results. NicVAX has shown promise in reducing the rate of relapse in smokers who have quit, while TA-NIC has shown potential in reducing the number of cigarettes smoked per day.

Potential benefits and drawbacks

The potential benefits of a nicotine vaccine include a reduction in the rate of relapse in smokers who have quit, and a reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked per day. However, there are also potential drawbacks. For example, the vaccine may not be effective in all smokers, and it may have side effects. In addition, the vaccine does not address the behavioral aspects of smoking addiction.

See also

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD