Pre-clinical tudy shows heroin vaccine blocks relapse

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have reported successful pre-clinical tests of a new vaccine against heroin. The vaccine targets heroin and its psychoactive breakdown products in the bloodstream, preventing them from reaching the brain.

‘Heroin-addicted rats deprived of the drug will normally resume using it compulsively if they regain access, but our vaccine stops this from happening,’ said George F. Koob, who chairs TSRI