7 Healthcast: Smoking shot

While the vaccine is not yet FDA approved, researchers say preliminary studies of the shot show that it's safe and effective.

Now there may be a new way to help smokers put out those cigarettes for good. It's a vaccine called "NicVax."

"The purpose of our study is to figure out whether this will help people quit smoking. Also, to make sure that it's safe to use," Dr. Nancy Rigotti of Massachusetts General Hospital said.

Dr. Rigotti will lead the study of NicVax at Massachusetts General Hospital. She says the shot works by blocking nicotine from getting to your brain.

"For smoking to be rewarding, nicotine has to get into your brain. The way the vaccine works is it makes your body make antibodies, so that when you smoke these antibodies soak up the nicotine and prevent it from getting into your brain," Dr. Rigotti said.

And that essentially makes a person immune to the chemical.

"So, if you smoke after you've had the vaccine, you won’t get the reward that you get from smoking. So, after a while there's no point in smoking anymore," Dr. Rigotti said.

During the yearlong study, participants will get either the vaccine or a placebo or fake shot.

So will smokers line up for a new way to kick the habit?

"I would try anything. I really want to quit so bad, but it's always too hard for me," some smokers we spoke to said.

"As long as it's safe I would definitely do it," another said.

Also, everyone in the study will receive smoking cessation counseling.

Mass. General is one of ten centers around the country doing the study.

To take part you must be 18 or older.

For more information:
Call: 617.724.3157
E-mail: quitsmoking@partners.org

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