Anti-Nicotine Vaccine Gets Federal Funds

(October 30, 2009) - Efforts to develop a vaccine capable of preventing tobacco addiction just got a $10-million shot in the arm. The money comes from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

The money will help pay for the first pivotal phase III trial of NicVAX, an injectable vaccine intended to help people quit smoking and prevent them from relapsing. The grant enables Nabi Biopharmaceuticals to retain its current staff as well as support 150 jobs at NicVAX research sites around the country. The money is part of the multi-billion dollar stimulus funds passed by congress earlier this year.

Successful completion of the study will bring the vaccine closer to final approval. Already given fast track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, NicVAX passed initial regulatory hurdles showing the basic idea is sound. Patients in the trial get six monthly shots in the arm.

Earlier results show that smokers using the vaccine had higher rates of quitting and longer term cigarette abstinence than those given a placebo. (Read about "Quit Smoking")

"Nicotine addiction causes nearly a half million deaths annually in the United States alone. Finding effective treatments that can help people stay off cigarettes has been a real challenge," said NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins. "This Phase III trial of a nicotine vaccine offers tremendous hope towards solving this immense public health problem."