Drug overdose is one of the most pressing issues that many people are dealing with. But there is new hope with this new development by the Scripps Research Institute. Researchers develop a new human antibody that reverses drug overdose effects over other existing treatments! This development targets carfentanil, fentanyl, and related opioids in reversing the effects.
The research results show a promise in fighting the issue. Let’s dive in to know more about this incredible development!
Research Of The Human Antibody
The research proves that this antibody is more powerful and long-lasting than other treatment options. In the study, an antibody in single-chain fragment variable (scFv) format that binds to the powerful opioid carfentanil was shown to reverse signs of carfentanil overdose. Carfentanil is a variation of fentanyl. The U.S. FDA has also given approval for the clinical trials as per the reports.
This carfentanil variant is 100 times more powerful than its other variants. Therefore, it is difficult to manage and is almost fatal. These variants are in heroin, cocaine, and other illegal drugs. The effect of such drugs is hard to reverse and results in fatal overdose.
Image Source: Scripps Research Institute
Findings Of The Human Antibody Research
The research of this new development was published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience on August 3, 2023. According to the study, the new human antibody binds Carfentanil and other fentanyl variants tightly. A solution of the antibody is given to treat the patients shortly after the overdose. The antibody then reverses the deadly respiratory depression caused by the drug.
The treatment showed effectiveness against the drug more than any other treatment. The effect of the antibody kept going up even after two hours! Whereas other drugs showed a peak of effectiveness for 30 minutes and then went down.
“We expect this antibody to be a valuable new weapon for fighting the opioid crisis,” says Kim D. Janda, a senior author of the study, and Ely R. Callaway, Professor of Chemistry at Scripps Research. The study has the license to develop even further.
Drug overdose deaths are a big concern for people of all ages and genders. There are more than 106,000 deaths a year in the U.S. alone due to drug overdoses. Worldwide there are about 500 000 deaths a year. This development could mean a life-changing treatment for this fatal cause.
Conclusion
Drug overdose is one of the most pressing issues that many people are dealing with. There is new hope with this new development by the Scripps Research Institute. Researchers develop a new human antibody that reverses drug overdose effects over any other treatments! The antibody targets carfentanil, fentanyl, and related opioids in reversing the effects.
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