London: A “genetic vaccine” will halt nicotine cravings and
could even be used to stop children starting the habit, say
experts. Just one jab could provide life-long protection against
nicotine cravings and it could eventually be used to vaccinate
children to stop them ever getting hooked. The vaccine, being
developed at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, has so
far been tested only on mice, but research involving people
could begin in as little as two years, Daily Mail reported
Thursday. The jab contains genes “programmed” to make antibodies
that neutralise nicotine before it reaches the brain, where it
would normally trigger the pleasurable feelings that underlie
addiction. The theory is that if smokers no longer get such
gratification from cigarettes, they will find it easier to quit.
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