Improved health - nicotine free

Niccine® offers treatment against nicotine addiction with a high efficacy of antibodies and a long duration of the vaccination effect.

Niccine® is given as an intramuscular injection, and following vaccination, nicotine specific antibodies are produced in the individual, which in turn binds to nicotine. This prevents nicotine from reaching the brain and exerting its rewarding effects. The nicotine molecule itself is too small to be recognized by the immune system. Therefore, it is coupled to a carrier protein to form an immunoconjugate. The immunoconjugate will elicit an immune response generating the nicotine selective antibodies. By preventing the very occurrence of central nervous system stimulations and the addictive pharmacological effects of nicotine, secure protection is obtained.


The carrier protein
The highly immunogenic carrier enables the large amount of antibodies against nicotine after vaccination. With few immunizations and low dosing needed, Niccine® will be convenient for patients. The choice of the carrier protein is of major importance in order to achieve a significant amount of antibodies against nicotine. Independent Pharmaceutica has chosen a carrier protein which has an extensive clinical experience and is known as a strong immunogen. It is thus approved for use as an antigen and as a carrier protein in vaccines for children and adults.


Nicotine hapten with precise action
The nicotine hapten was specially chosen to maximize the selectivity of the generated antibodies. The choice was based on a screening process of different nicotine haptens.

  • The selected hapten contains the S-enantiomer of nicotine, which is the addictive agent in tobacco smoke. In animal experiments, this generates a high and selective antibody response against nicotine after immunization.
  • No cross-reactivity of the antibodies with nicotine metabolites and endogenous neurotransmitters has been detected.

The unique combination of a strong immunogen and the precise action of the nicotine hapten aims at offering a secure and effective treatment against nicotine addiction.

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