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New Anti-Smoking Vaccine

            NicVax, made by Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, is a new product currently being tested to see if it can help patients stop smoking. It is said that only 5% of patients who quit smoking “cold turkey” actually succeed in long- term abstinence. With use of nicotine replacement (NRT) and encouragement from healthcare providers these numbers may increase, but NRT only replaces the nicotine and doesn’t treat the addiction. Clinicians are hoping that this vaccine, given in either 4 or 5 shots over 12 months, will produce antibodies  that will latch onto nicotine and not allow the nicotine to travel to the brain. The National Institute on Drug Abuse gave the drug company a $4 million grant to finance studies.1

 

                Results have been positive so far, as a Phase II trial showed that 33% of patients on the vaccine successfully quit smoking as compared to 9% of placebo patients.2 Another study examined nicotine distribution to the brain in anesthetized rats; this study concluded that the vaccine decreased the amount of unbound nicotine in the plasma and therefore the amount of nicotine reaching the brain.3 The other benefit of using a vaccine such as NicVax is that the antibodies are expected to stay at therapeutic levels for 12 months.4   So far  the studies have shown that side effects were mild and did not differ from the placebo.2 Investigators think this may lead to more long term success for smokers.

 

            Results from efficacy trials are expected to be out in 2007. The FDA has placed this drug on fast track status.4 This may be the next wave in helping smokers to drop their habit.

 

References:

 

  1. Marchione Marilynn, Doctors Test Anti-Smoking Vaccine. www.washingtonpost.com/
  2. www.nabi.com/pipeline/clinicaltrials.php
  3. Hieda Y, Keyler D, VanDeVoort J, et al. Immunization of rats reduces nicotine distribution to brain. Psychopharmacology (1999) 143: 150-157.
  4. Lexis-Nexis. Nabi Pharmaceuticals Initiates Phase IIB “Proof-of-Concept” Study For NicVAX;-Study Designed to Demonstrate Vaccine’s Effectiveness in Smoking Cessation; Results Expected Mid-2007. PR Newswire. May 24, 2006.

Melisa J. Keenan, PharmD. Candidate