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UK DRUG manufacturer Xenova has reported successful results with its second phase 2a study for TA-CD, its candidate therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of cocaine dependence. The dose-escalation trial was carried out by Professor Thomas Kosten at Yale University in the United States.

TA-CD is being developed to help cocaine addicts quit the habit. The latest trial started in April 2002. It involved the enrolment of 13 subjects, all of whom were cocaine abusers seeking help with their addiction at the start of the trial. Patients were treated with up to five injections of the vaccine over a 12-week period. Of the 13 enrolled, 12 subjects completed the 12-month evaluation period to assess safety, immune response and cocaine usage.

The results showed the vaccine to be safe and well-tolerated with a dose-related immune response. Of those 16 patients in the two phase 2a studies who used cocaine at any time following vaccination, 14 reported a reduction of the usual euphoric effect normally associated with cocaine use, providing further anecdotal evidence of the vaccine’s proposed mode of action.

“This trial is another important milestone for this programme and paves the way for the start of forthcoming efficacy trials,” said David Oxlade, chief executive of Xenova.

TA-CD is designed for use alongside a behavioural therapy programme in patients who are trying actively to overcome their cocaine addiction. The vaccine represents a new approach to the treatment of cocaine addiction by way of immune intervention. It is designed to build an antibody response against the drug that will neutralise its effect on the brain.

Xenova Group, 957 Buckingham Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom, SL1 4NL. Telephone: +44 1753 706600. Fax: +44 1753 706607.

By David Welsh, London Press Service