After a 38 week study, researchers have been surprised at how effective NicVax was. The study was not designed to see how many people gave up. Its aim was to see how well-tolerated the vaccine was. The 68 volunteers had to be smokers who had not planned to give up – they were expected not have had a set date in their minds to quit (in order to be part of the trial).
The 68 volunteers were divided into four groups. One group was given a placebo, the other three groups were given varying doses of the vaccine. 38% of those on the top dosage did not smoke for at least 30 days.
Lead researcher, Dorothy Hatsukami, University of Minnesota Cancer Center’s Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center, said the result was completely unexpected and impressive. Especially because the study was not aimed at helping people to give up.
You can read about this study in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
The vaccine produces antibodies that bind to nicotine and stop much of it from entering the brain. This reduces the reward/pleasure sensation experienced by smokers – and consequently, lowers the addiction.
The researchers say more research is needed. For one thing, they would like to know how long a dose is effective for.
NicVax was developed by Nabi Biopharmaceuticals.
http://www.nabi.com