Vaccine may treat cocaine addiction by blocking drug's entry to the brain

Dr. Stephen M. Kaminsky, Professor of Research in Genetic Medicine, presented data on an experimental vaccine for the treatment of cocaine addiction at the 25th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Cell and Gene Therapy held in New Orleans from May 12-17, 2025.  A small trial of the vaccine, known as dAd5GNE, found that participants receiving it had a higher likelihood of testing negative for cocaine and also reported a 27 percent decrease in cravings. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to create antibodies that attach to cocaine molecules in the bloodstream, stopping them from reaching the brain and getting the user high. While the initial trial focused on safety and showed positive signs, larger studies are required to fully determine the vaccine's effectiveness. If the vaccine is approved after further trials, Dr. Kaminsky and Department of Genetic Medicine researchers envisage it being offered as an option to people trying to overcome their addiction. You can read more in an article by New Scientist.