New Experimental Vaccine To Treat Dangerous Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids are made illegally in laboratories and are sold widely across the United States. They are also called as designer drugs. They represent a growing public health threat. The study conducted by Scripps research scientists was published in the JACS Au which is an open access journal of the American Chemical Society.

In the new study, scientists have come up with a plan to deactivate these designer drugs after they have been administered. This offers a potential treatment for drug addiction and overdose.

The research was led by Kim Janda, PhD, the Ely R. Callaway, Jr. professor of chemistry at Scripps Research. Janda and his team developed a vaccine that was able to counter the effects of synthetic cannabinoids in rodents, sequestering the drug molecules before they could interact with the central nervous system. The approach worked in models that simulated vaping and smoking as this is how the drugs are commonly used.

Janda said, "Synthetic cannabinoids are much more powerful and toxic than users often realize, and their rising prevalence has led to serious health issues among young people and adults. We found a way to negate the dangerous effects of these drugs, even when they're consumed in impure forms, as is often the case. Our hope is that this may one day help treat cannabinoid use disorders or accelerate recovery for people who overdosed."

Not Similar to Marijuana

Synthetic cannabinoids act on the brain cell receptors called THC similar to marijuana. However they are made in a laboratory and their structure is not similar to THC. The actual effects of synthetic cannabinoids are unpredictable and can be fatal.

They are often called synthetic marijuana and contain powerful chemicals that can cause severe, life-threatening health effects like nausea, severe agitation, anxiety, vomiting, hallucinations, and seizures.

These drugs are made specifically to be abused and they are not tested for safety.

To be sold as vaping liquids, e-cigarettes, the synthetic drugs are often sprayed on dried plant materials. Most of the manufacturers tend to sell the products in colorful foil packages and plastic bottles under hundreds of brand names.

According to the poison control centers, overdoses due to synthetic cannabinoids are on the rise. These synthetic cannabinoids are sometimes mixed with dangerous drugs like fentanyl which makes them more deadly.

Building On Previous Studies

Janda has already developed vaccine-based approach to treat heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. For this study, Janda and his colleagues studied whether vaccine could work against synthetic cannabinoids.

Janda believes that vaccines for addiction treatment are beneficial over other therapies as they do not require taking a pill daily. It also reduces the risk of an overdose if the user relapses.

The vaccine is composed of multiple drug-like antigens that stimulate neutralizing antibodies in the body, which can deactivate many types of cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids covers wide range of man-made chemicals.

The team conducted behavioral experiments in mice and found that even when they are exposed to a large amount of the drug, the vaccine offered protection against the psychoactive effects. For greater convenience, the team also developed a formulation of the vaccine that could be inhaled.

Janda said, "This work provides a solid foundation for future therapeutic development against synthetic cannabinoid abuse. The ultimate goal is to provide prolonged protection for those who may be struggling with substance abuse."

Source-Medindia