New way to block drug addiction
The studies show that addiction can be blocked via the immune system of the brain, without targeting the brain's wiring. Image: Sigarru/iStockphoto In a major breakthrough, an international team of scientists has proven that addiction to morphine and heroin can be blocked, while at the same time increasing pain relief.The team from the University of Adelaide and University of Colorado has discovered the key mechanism in the body's immune system that amplifies addiction to opioid drugs.Laboratory studies have shown that the drug (+)-naloxone will selectively block the immune-addiction response.The results - which could eventually lead to new co-formulated drugs that assist patients with severe pain, as well as helping heroin users to kick the habit - will be published in the Journal of Neuroscience."Our studies have shown conclusively that we can block addiction via the immune system of the brain, without targeting the brain's wiring," says the lead author of the study,...