Fentanyl vaccine created in Texas heads for clinical trials, with goal of saving lives
A fentanyl vaccine developed by University of Houston researchers is expected to enter clinical trials mid-next year, aiming to prevent the opioid from entering the brain and causing overdose. The vaccine, successful in animal studies, is licensed to Ovax, which raised over $10 million for its production and testing. Despite challenges, including lengthy clinical trial processes and stigma around addiction, the vaccine is seen as a potential tool in the fight against the opioid crisis.
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A fentanyl vaccine developed by University of Houston researchers is expected to enter clinical trials mid-next year, aiming to prevent the opioid from entering the brain and causing overdose. The vaccine, successful in animal studies, is licensed to Ovax, which raised over $10 million for its production and testing. Despite challenges, including lengthy clinical trial processes and stigma around addiction, the vaccine is seen as a potential tool in the fight against the opioid crisis.
Opioid overdoses in Texas surged, with Austin-Travis County EMS responding to 75 cases in days, including 50 in 24 hours. A fentanyl vaccine, under development by University of Houston researchers, aims to prevent addiction by blocking the drug from reaching the brain. Clinical trials are set to begin in 2025, though FDA approval and public availability could take 5-10 years. Free Narcan kits are available in Austin to combat overdoses.