20 Questions with a Lib NPC

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Originally Posted by Botten [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Haile’s group has developed a vaccine that prevents rats from feeling the euphoric effects of fentanyl without inducing any notable adverse side effects. It also prevents rats from overdosing, and both benefits are expected to translate to human recipients. In the coming months, they will begin manufacturing clinical-grade vaccines for use in human trials.

The vaccine works by stimulating the production of antibodies that bind to fentanyl and prevent it from entering the brain. Those antibodies do not cross-react with other opioids, meaning vaccinated subjects can still receive other therapeutic drug treatments, and they remain in the body at sufficient levels only for a period of months after vaccination, meaning boosters are required to maintain preventative effects. Experts tout the vaccine as a means of relapse prevention; if recovering addicts cannot get high as they try to get back on the wagon, the rate of relapse (which is presently astronomical) should drop, so that over time fewer and fewer people will be actively addicted. It’s the perfect weapon for a demand-reduction arsenal.

Haile’s is the first effective fentanyl vaccine, but not the first that works against addictive drugs. A cocaine vaccine has existed for decades. Vaccines for nicotine, meth, morphine, and other opioids like oxycodone are in preclinical or clinical development. As such, medical professionals and policy experts have long been pondering how best to put these powerful tools to use.

This is interesting