Football Frenzy

Football Frenzy
Extensive Coverage

°

Homepage / Health
Text Size

Can Nicotine Vaccine Help Smokers Quit?

POSTED: Friday, December 19,
UPDATED: 4:25 pm CST December 19, 2003

A vaccine to help kick the habit is being tested on smokers.

The American Cancer Society said 46 million adults smoke. Another 8.6 million Americans are living with a serious illness caused by smoking. While there are many ways to quit smoking, most people will relapse. Now, doctors may have found a vaccine to help smokers stop for good.

Wayne Thompson has been lighting up for 35 years, but with two new grandchildren on the way, he says he's ready to quit.

"With the grandbabies coming, I don't want to be subjecting them to secondhand smoke," he said.

Thompson enrolled in a study on a vaccine called NicVax that could help him quit. It's one of a few smoking vaccines to make it to human trials. For the study, Thompson gets eight shots and answers questions about his experience.

"Did it reduce your hunger for food? Did it make you nauseous? Did it make you less irritable?" Thompson said.

Dr. Dorothy Hatsukami said the vaccine stimulates the immune system to make antibodies that stop nicotine it its tracks.

"These antibodies actually attach themselves to the nicotine molecules and this complex is so large it can't pass through the blood-brain barrier, and so this nicotine cannot get into the brain," Hatsukami said.

Since nicotine cannot reach the brain, smokers do not experience its pleasurable effects.

The goal is to make smokers lose interest in smoking.

"So, it just becomes like smoking a cigarette that has no nicotine in it," Hatsukami said.

Some smokers in the study will receive the vaccine, while others will get a placebo.

Thompson said he has not yet noticed a difference, but he believes the vaccine is a step in the right direction. Still, he knows the decision to quit is up to him.

"You've got to make the determination yourself. You've got to say, 'I am going to do it,'" he said.

Doctors hope the study will help them find the most effective dose of the vaccine and how often smokers need it. Preliminary studies show it is safe in humans, but doctors want more tests.

Trials are under way at the University of Minnesota, the University of Nebraska and the University of Wisconsin.

For more information, contact Ashley Burt, with the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center at (612) 624-2449.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser has a diet and fitness plan to help you burn fat faster and stay in shape. MoreClick Here

You’ve heard of certain foods that can help you prevent cancer and even halt the spread of the disease. Find out if these anti-cancer foods really work. More

If your credit is shabby, you'll need to shore up your score to convince a lender you're worthy. Here's how to boost your point total. More

In the workplace it’s the little things that get you noticed and help you stand out above the rest. Do these things and increase your chances for a promotion. More

Most Popular

Marketplace

  • AutoClick to Expand

  • JobsClick to Expand

    • Six Answers Interviewers Need To Hire You

      During the typical job interview, you'll be asked a lot of questions. But do you really understand what the interviewer needs to know?

    • Guide To Negotiating A Great Salary

      You can start laying the groundwork for your salary negotiation even before the first interview. Here's a step-by-step guide.

    • Should You Say Yes To A Buyout?

      In today’s economy, the lure of a big-bucks buyout can be tempting, but before you say yes, take the time to understand what it will mean for you.

    • Ten Rules For Interviewing

      In the current job market, you'd better have your act together, or you won't stand a chance. Check yourself on these 10 basic points before your next interview.

  • WomenClick to Expand

    • Healthy Living In Your 40s

      Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

    • Manage Stress, Find Balance

      The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

    • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

      Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

  • InsuranceClick to Expand

    • Auto Insurance Quotes

      Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

    • Health Insurance Quotes

      No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

    • Home Insurance Quotes

      Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

    • Life Insurance Quotes

      What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

    • Business Insurance Quotes

      Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

  • HomesClick to Expand

Sponsored Links