Researchers report that a vaccine, which helps cocaine addicts to beat their habit is showing some effect but is very far from a cure.
 
A small number above one-third of the participants in a new study developed desired immune system antibodies to the illicit drug and the use of cocaine did reduce in this group. However the effects lasted only for two months.
 
Experts were glad with the finding but still do not know how they might benefit active addicts.
 
Jean Bidlack, professor of pharmacology and physiology at the University of Rochester Medical Center said, "It's not the cure or the treatment but it's a good way to go".
 
Dr. Steven Prenzlauer, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Round Rock, and director of psychiatry and behavioral health at Lone Star Circle of Care pointed out that various major shortcomings still need to be worked out such as the role of booster shots to keep up needed level of antibodies.
 
As per the background information in the study, 2.5 million people are addicted to cocaine but only 809,000 of them are getting any treatment. This type of addiction accounts for a full third of visits to emergency departments.
 
No drug therapies are currently available for cocaine addiction but a range of behavioral therapies are used.