Brazil scientists develop vaccine for cocaine addiction, demonstrates positive results in animal trials

Researchers in Brazil, the world's second-largest consumer of cocaine, have introduced a groundbreaking treatment for drug addiction and its powerful derivative crack: a vaccine.

Named "Calixcoca," this experimental vaccine, demonstrating positive results in animal trials, stimulates an immune response that hinders cocaine and crack from affecting the brain. The goal is to assist individuals in overcoming addiction.

"If the treatment gets regulatory approval, it would be the first time cocaine addiction is treated using a vaccine," said psychiatrist Frederico Garcia.

The project secured the top prize of 500,000 euros ($530,000) at the Euro Health Innovation awards for Latin American medicine, supported by pharmaceutical company Eurofarma.

Calixcoca has so far proven effective in testing on animals, producing significant levels of antibodies against cocaine and few side effects.

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