R & D

The company enjoys a highly experienced scientific advisory board and network. By attracting and retaining world-class scientific expertise, Independent Pharmaceutica intends to become the preferred partner in the field of nicotine addiction.

The research and development program is focused on developing the nicotine vaccine, Niccine®, comprising of nicotine molecules conjugated to larger protein molecules. Immunization with the vaccine leads to generation of antibodies against nicotine, which bind to nicotine and prevent the nicotine to reach the reward centers in the brain.

Independent Pharmaceutica follows FDA/ICH/EMEA guidelines and all development work and documentation is conducted according to cGMP, GLP and GCP standards.

Independent Pharmaceutica has convincingly shown and published proof of concept in rat models for the nicotine vaccine. In two recent publications, it was shown that vaccination with Niccine® generated antibodies against nicotine. In this specific case, immunized rats received dosages of nicotine that was comparable to smoking 6 cigarettes during 30 minutes. Also, in one rat model, it was shown that vaccination with the nicotine vaccine can prevent relapse after having quit smoking. The two articles have been acknowledged in Lancet.

Innovative approaches from world-class expertise



Independent Pharmaceutica aims to provide innovative pharmacological solutions for use in treatment of nicotine addiction. With the new approach, health conditions for millions of patients can be improved.

The company holds world-class expertise for research and development and the scientific fields of psychotropic drugs, drug dependency, smoking cessation and vaccine technology are thoroughly covered. The science is based on research by Professor Torgny Svensson at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden.
The company enjoys a highly experienced scientific advisory board and network. By attracting and retaining world-class scientific expertise, Independent Pharmaceutica intends to become the preferred partner in the field of nicotine addiction. The research and development program is focused on developing the nicotine vaccine, Niccine®, comprising of nicotine molecules conjugated to larger protein molecules. Immunization with the vaccine leads to generation of antibodies against nicotine, which bind to nicotine and prevent the nicotine to reach the reward centers in the brain. Independent Pharmaceutica follows FDA/ICH/EMEA guidelines and all development work and documentation is conducted according to cGMP, GLP and GCP standards. Proof of Concept in animal models Independent Pharmaceutica has convincingly shown and published proof of concept in rat models for the nicotine vaccine. In two recent publications, it was shown that vaccination with Niccine® generated antibodies against nicotine. In this specific case, immunized rats received dosages of nicotine that was comparable to smoking 6 cigarettes during 30 minutes. Also, in one rat model, it was shown that vaccination with the nicotine vaccine can prevent relapse after having quit smoking. The two articles have been acknowledged in Lancet. "Now two recent studies provide direct evidence that active immunization markedly attenuates the rewarding effects of nicotine" (Wayne Hall, The prospects for immunotherapy in smoking cessation. Lancet 2002;360:1089?1091). Print