Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have developed a vaccine that can combat fentanyl, the synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin that’s contributed to our nation’s ongoing opioid epidemic. The vaccine, successful in rats, stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to fentanyl, preventing the drug from crossing the blood-brain barrier and causing its potent effects. While the vaccine is still in the early stages of development and has not yet been tested on humans, it has shown promising results in animal studies.

Per Smithsonian Magazine:

In a study published in Pharmaceutics, scientists tested their vaccine on 60 rats. The immunized animals could produce anti-fentanyl antibodies that stop the drug’s effects, allowing it to exit out of the body via the kidneys. This blocks the “high” caused by fentanyl, and it would theoretically make it easier for people to quit using the drug or avoid a relapse.

Virginia Guy, the executive director of the Drug Education Council, remarked, “I think the research on this is fascinating. Right now, this is just at the rat study level, but I think it holds some promise.”

Researchers also noted that the vaccine didn’t cause any adverse effects in the rats, nor did it cross-react with other opioids, including morphine, which means that vaccinated individuals would still be able to seek pain relief during medical treatment.

Why is this important?

Although a fentanyl vaccine may not prevent a person from actively overdosing (like Narcan), it’s designed for addicts who want to quit. ABC17 explains, “Haile, the lead researcher, said the vaccine could protect people inadvertently exposed to fentanyl, but he designed it for people who are addicted to it and want to quit using. These are the type of patients that wind up at treatment centers hoping to avoid a relapse.”

Fentanyl is a national problem, and Tennessee is no exception. Looking at the state’s most current data, overdose deaths in Tennessee involving fentanyl increased by 46% between 2018 and 2019. Per the report, “Fifty-two out of 95 counties (55%) had an increase in fentanyl overdose deaths from 2018 to 2019 with Shelby County reporting the highest increase in fentanyl overdose deaths (88 deaths in 2018 to 171 deaths in 2019).” However, it’s worth noting that Knox County is the only county in Tennessee that had a more than 10-person decrease in deaths. This is great news.

How could a fentanyl vaccine help people?

A fentanyl vaccine could potentially help addicts by reducing its pleasurable effects, making it less likely for them to relapse and seek out the drug. This is because, as mentioned earlier, the vaccine would stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to fentanyl molecules, preventing them from crossing the blood-brain barrier and reducing their ability to produce a high.

For some, a vaccine alone is unlikely to be enough to address their addiction. Addiction is a complex disease that often requires a multifaceted approach to treatment, including counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and support from family and community.

However, a fentanyl vaccine could be a valuable tool used in conjunction with other treatment methods, by reducing the likelihood of relapse and improving the chances of successful recovery. It could also be a valuable tool in community harm reduction efforts, by reducing the risk of overdose and death among those who continue to use fentanyl despite efforts to quit.

If you’re caught with fentanyl in Knoxville

The penalties for being caught with fentanyl in Tennessee can vary depending on the amount of the drug in your possession and other factors, such as intent to distribute. Fentanyl is a Schedule I drug, which means they are considered a Class B felony which can result in eight to 30 years in prison and/or up to $25,000 in fines.

The exact penalties you could face will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. If you are facing charges related to fentanyl possession or distribution in Knoxville, it’s important to speak with a qualified drug crime defense attorney who can advise you on your rights and options.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help:

• Protect your rights. A drug crime defense attorney protects your rights throughout the criminal justice process. They will make sure that you are not subjected to unlawful searches and seizures, and that authorities don’t coerce you into making incriminating statements.
• Build a strong defense. An experienced lawyer will analyze the facts of your case and develop a strong defense to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. They’ll work to identify weaknesses in their case and use them to your advantage.
• Negotiate plea bargains. In some cases, it might be in your best interest to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. A Knoxville attorney can help you understand the potential advantages and drawbacks of a plea bargain and negotiate the most favorable terms on your behalf.
• Represent you in court. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer represents you in court. They present your case to the judge and jury, cross-examine witnesses, and make a compelling argument on your behalf.
• Advocate for your best interests. A drug crime defense attorney always advocates for your best interests throughout the criminal justice process. They work to minimize the impact of the charges on your life and to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Overall, an attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and improve your chances of a favorable outcome in your case.

If you were arrested for possession or distribution of fentanyl, it’s crucial you have legal representation now. The criminal defense attorneys at Banks and Jones want to help. We work to mitigate any effects of your arrest and work to have charges reduced or dropped. We’ve been helping the people of Knoxville for over 30 years. To speak with an experienced lawyer today, call us or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.