Is there a fentanyl vaccine? University of Houston to start clinical trials in 2025

Opioid overdoses are a recurring problem in Texas and throughout the U.S.

In May, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services responded to 75 intoxication cases in days. At least 50 of those calls in a 24-hour span, which was a 1,000% increase in overdose emergency calls in one day, according to EMS Assistant Chief Steve Whitean. Eight people died of overdose during that opioid outbreak.

Austin and several major cities in the U.S. have tried to combat the problem by providing free Narcan kits at some public libraries and nonprofits or for purchase at local drug stores.

There isn't a current fix to prevent opioid addiction, but scientists in Texas could have a solution in the near future.

Clinical trials for fentanyl vaccine starting in 2025

As explained by researchers from the University of Houston , there could be a vaccine that could prevent opioid addiction.

UH Professor of Psychology and Addictions researcher Colin Haile said clinical trials for a fentanyl vaccine would start next year. He noted that vaccines train the immune system to identify the opioid and block it from reaching the brain.

"In a prototypical vaccine, you’re vaccinated with a piece of bacteria or virus you want to be protected against,” Haile told UH Magazine. “Your body recognizes it as foreign, then develops antibodies against that pathogen. What we’ve done here is [produced] a vaccine that [creates] antibodies against a chemical: fentanyl. We vaccinate, and the individual develops anti-fentanyl antibodies, which bind to the chemical and prevent it from getting to the brain, instead keeping it in the blood until it is eventually eliminated from the body.”

However, there are hurdles. The vaccine has to get approval from the Federal Drug Administration. The vaccine also might not be available to the public for another five to 10 years.

What are the signs of an opioid overdose?

As indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , there are signs to recognize if someone is near overdosing on opioids. It’s imperative to call 911 or seek medical care for the individual and not leave that person alone. Signs of an overdose could be:

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
• Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Limp body
• Pale, blue, or cold skin

How potent is fentanyl?

Texas Health and Human Services says fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin, can be easily mixed with other illicit drugs, and often deadly. This synthetic opioid is inexpensive and continues to be smuggled into the country in large quantities.

How did the opioid crisis start?

Based on the National Library of Medicine , for decades, opioids were overprescribed for pain relief, leading to hundreds of thousands of people becoming addicted nationwide.

What is Narcan?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse , Narcan is a brand name for naloxone, which is a medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose.

It works by binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, but naloxone has a stronger affinity for these receptors, displacing the opioids and reversing their effects.

Where can you get free Narcan?

To find specific locations where you can get free Narcan in Austin, you can try the following:

• Contact Local Health Departments : Reach out to the Austin Public Health Department or the Texas Department of State Health Services to inquire about naloxone distribution programs in the area. They may be able to provide information on locations where Narcan is available for free or at a reduced cost.
• Harm Reduction Organizations : Look for harm reduction organizations or nonprofits in Austin that focus on substance use issues. These organizations often provide naloxone distribution programs and may offer free Narcan kits along with training on overdose recognition and response.
• Community Health Centers : Check with community health centers or clinics in Austin to see if they offer naloxone distribution programs. They may provide Narcan kits as part of their harm reduction initiatives or overdose prevention efforts.

7 steps to avoid or reduce opioid overdose

The CDC recommends the following steps to reduce injury from opioid use disorder:

1. Carry Naloxone : Naloxone, also known as Narcan , is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdose. Obtain naloxone from a pharmacy or community health center and learn how to administer it properly.
2. Create a Safety Plan : If you or someone you know is at risk of opioid overdose, develop a safety plan. Identify triggers and high-risk situations, and establish strategies to prevent overdose, such as avoiding drug use alone and setting limits on opioid consumption.
3. Know Your Limits : Understand your tolerance to opioids and never exceed recommended dosages. If you're prescribed opioids for pain management, communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns and any potential side effects.
4. Dispose of Unused Medications Safely : Properly dispose of unused or expired opioids to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse. Take advantage of drug take-back programs or follow FDA guidelines for at-home disposal, such as mixing medications with undesirable substances like coffee grounds or kitty litter before throwing them away.
5. Utilize Harm Reduction Strategies : Harm reduction approaches aim to minimize the negative consequences of drug use. Consider alternatives to opioid medications, such as non-opioid pain management techniques, and explore harm reduction programs in your community for support and resources.
6. Stay Informed About Opioid Trends : Keep yourself informed about opioid trends, including the prevalence of potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Stay up-to-date on local overdose statistics and emerging risks to better understand the landscape of opioid use in your area.
7. Advocate for policy change : Advocate for policies that address the root causes of opioid overdose, such as improving access to addiction treatment and mental health services, implementing syringe exchange programs, and promoting naloxone distribution. Get involved in community initiatives and support organizations working to combat the opioid crisis

— American-Statesman reporter Bianca Moreno-Paz contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Is there a fentanyl vaccine? University of Houston to start clinical trials in 2025