Even the most persistent smoker is aware of all of the dangerous side effects associated with the habit, but most people still have great trouble quitting. There may be some new hope just around the corner in the shape of a syringe as early stages of testing on a “vaccine” have showed some promise in helping people quit.
The drug NicVAX, created by the Nabi Biopharmaceuticals Company, is in its early developmental stages and is said to act as an immunization technique to help smokers curb their nicotine addiction.
The Associated Press reported that “the treatment keeps nicotine from reaching the brain, taking the fun out of smoking and hopefully making it easier to give up. Some nicotine still gets in, possibly easing withdrawal, the main reason quitters relapse.”
According to statistics from the American Heart Association, almost 50 million American’s still smoke, and only about five percent of those who attempt to quit are successful on a long-term base.
Although the shot seems like a revolutionary new approach to an old dilemma, researchers have mixed expectations when it comes to the actual validity of the product.
Even with the drug, only about 16 of the study participants were able to quit smoking altogether, while more were able to cut back considerably.
While the drug is still in its trial phase, it is expected to be fast tracked through the Food and Drug Administrations approval process so it will be available to the public sooner rather than later.
In the United States alone over 400,000 people die each year from smoking related illnesses. It is also estimated that one in every five deaths is related to illnesses caused by smoking.
Health officials hope that if the new vaccine is approved, more people will be able to quit.
