The results of a study released at the 2005 American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting indicated success with a nicotine vaccine genetically engineered to act like a bacteriophage. The vaccine causes the release of antibodies, reducing nicotine circulating in the bloodstream and nicotine uptake into the brain.
For the study, 341 participants were divided into 3 groups: two thirds received 5 different doses of the vaccine and one third received a placebo. Of the vaccinated group, all participants had an antinicotine antibody response. There was no antibody response in the placebo group. All participants were tested at 4-, 5-, and 6-month intervals. At the end of the trial, 40% of the vaccinated subjects were able to quit smoking for 6 months compared with 30% of the placebo group. While each participant produced differing amounts of antibodies, those with the highest levels were able to quit smoking for longer periods. Testing continues at Cytos Biotechnology in Zurich to determine safety and efficacy. The vaccine could be on the market by 2010.
(Source: Access, September-October 2005)
