Discovery could lead to new cocaine treatment

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by Change | 12 Jan 2010

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A new study has highlighted the potential of a stable form of CocE to be used as a treatment for cocaine addiction.

New cocaine support may be available after a study revealed that a bacterial protein may allow patients' habits to be overcome.

Findings published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics discovered that a stable version of cocaine esterase (CocE) is able to reduce the desire to take the drug.

The study, which was reviewed by Faculty of 1000 Medicine's Dr Friedbert Weiss could lead to more effective cocaine recovery in the future.

He concluded that the development could lead to "long-lasting protection" against the toxic effects of a high dose of cocaine.

"Long-acting forms of CocE represent potentially valuable treatment approaches not only for the prevention of cocaine-induced toxicity but also for ongoing cocaine abuse in humans," he explained.

The study looked at rats that were trained to self-administer cocaine by pushing a button in their cage. Those treated with the stable form of CocE pressed the button less, which suggests that their need for the drug was less.

cocaine addiction is becoming more prevalent in the UK, with the cheaper cost of the drug meaning that it is not just the rich who can afford it.

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