NicVAX has been designed to induce antibodies to nicotine that can bind to nicotine in the bloodstream. Since the nicotine cannot reach the brain, it cannot stimulate the release of neurotransmitters and the tobacco user should receive less positive feedback from his use of tobacco. Thus in the new tobacco user, vaccination may prevent nicotine addiction. In the already addicted tobacco user who is trying to quit, vaccination may help prevent relapse into addiction. If similar effects can be achieved in humans in clinical trials, we may be able to use the vaccine to prevent nicotine addiction or to help addicted tobacco users kick their nicotine habits.
Tobacco use is the single leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans are current smokers and another 6.8 million use smokeless tobacco. In the U.S., there are approximately 6 million teenagers who reportedly use tobacco regularly, and it is estimated that more than 100,000 adolescents under 13 years of age smoke cigarettes. On a worldwide basis one out of three men and women over age 18 smokes. Nabi provided funding for the scientific research. Nabi currently has several clinical trials underway in these areas and has four marketed pharmaceutical products.