Lucrezia Ciotti An experimental vaccine could pave a new path in the fight against smoking by counteracting the effects of nicotine through the immune system's response. Initial results obtained in Brazil are promising, but the road to human application is still long. Meanwhile, infectious disease specialist Matteo Bassetti urges caution and relaunches a proposal to discourage cigarette smoking.
Nicotine addiction vaccine: initial positive results
A new Brazilian research project opens up unprecedented prospects in the fight against smoking . It involves an experimental vaccine against nicotine addiction, which in initial laboratory tests stimulated the production of antibodies in 100% of immunized rats.
The treatment is being developed by Cristália Laboratories, in collaboration with researchers from the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Clinical trials on humans have not yet begun, but the research team expects to begin them within about two years . The principle behind the vaccine is to induce the immune system to produce antibodies capable of intercepting nicotine in the blood, preventing it from reaching the brain.
This approach aims to hinder the activation of neurological reward mechanisms , which are responsible for consolidating addiction. In animal tests, three administrations were performed, one every month. According to infectious disease specialist Matteo Bassetti , a two-dose regimen is being evaluated for the potential clinical protocol.
Matteo Bassetti puts the brakes on the vaccine and offers €15 cigarettes: "A tax on health."
Despite the encouraging initial results, Bassetti cautions against considering the treatment a solution that's already close to being available. Development is still in the early stages , and further studies and testing will be necessary before widespread use in Italy is possible. " We still know little about it, and it's impossible to pinpoint any contraindications ," the infectious disease specialist observes, also emphasizing that effective compliance among smokers and the cost of the treatment will need to be assessed. Furthermore, in his view, medications, patches, and even vaccines risk becoming mere "diversions" if they aren't accompanied by a genuine desire to quit tobacco and an awareness of its health effects.
While waiting for new scientific solutions, Bassetti therefore proposes a decisive intervention on the price of cigarettes, which in Italy should reach 15 euros a pack , more than double the current cost. " Price would probably be the way to discourage many people from smoking ," he states, emphasizing in particular the need to protect the youngest.
The proposal also includes the introduction of a " health tax ," to be included in the sale price to help cover the costs of the National Health Service for smoking-related diseases. These include chronic bronchitis, heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol, lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Finally, the infectious disease specialist emphasizes the importance of prevention and more effective information campaigns : warnings on packaging are not sufficient, and, in his view, the public should be reminded daily of the harmfulness of tobacco and its potential to seriously endanger their lives.