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Science & Tech Spotlight: Opioid Vaccines

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Report Type Reports and Testimonies
Report Date Sept. 16, 2019
Release Date Sept. 16, 2019
Report No. GAO-19-706SP
Summary:

More than 10 million people in the United States abused opioids such as heroin and fentanyl in 2017, and there were over 47,000 opioid-related overdose deaths.

One treatment under development is an opioid vaccine, which could block the drugs from entering the central nervous system. It essentially immunizes patients from drug-induced euphoria, as well as addiction and overdose. Advantages of a vaccine over current treatments include a minimal need for medical supervision and no potential for abuse.

Clinical trials of opioid vaccines have begun, and additional research is ongoing.

File photo of a scientist uses a dropper to put liquid into a test tube

File photo of a scientist uses a dropper to put liquid into a test tube

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