Vaccines to prevent overdose from fentanyl and heroin
Bacteriophage virus-like particle vaccines for fentanyl and heroin overdose
This study is testing a new vaccine designed to help prevent overdoses from fentanyl and heroin by training your immune system to block these drugs before they can harm your brain, and it's aimed at anyone who is concerned about opioid use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258306 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel vaccine approach to prevent overdoses from fentanyl and heroin, two major contributors to opioid-related deaths. The vaccine uses bacteriophage virus-like particles to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that can bind to these opioids, preventing them from affecting the brain. By rapidly generating high levels of antibodies, the vaccine aims to provide quick protection against lethal overdoses. The study will involve engineering a combined vaccine targeting both fentanyl and heroin, along with their active metabolites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for opioid overdose, particularly those using fentanyl or heroin.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use opioids or are not at risk for opioid overdose may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths by providing a preventive vaccine.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data from similar vaccine approaches have shown promise, particularly with oxycodone, indicating potential for success in this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chackerian, Bryce C — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chackerian, Bryce C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.