Texas Scientists Devise Long-Lasting Antidote for Drug Overdose
Methocinnamox (MCAM), a promising long-acting opioid antagonist, is set to enter human clinical trials within the next six months, according to researchers at UT Health San Antonio. This development marks an important step forward in the fight against opioid addiction and overdose.
MCAM works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, much like the drug naloxone. However, unlike naloxone, which wears off in about an hour, MCAM's effects can last for days or even weeks. This extended duration could offer extended protection from overdose and reduce the risk of relapse after detoxification, making it a potential game-changer in the field of addiction treatment.
The lead researcher, a professor at UT Health San Antonio, has spent his career studying drugs and addiction. His passion for the project stems from the potential it has to save lives and give people a better chance at long-term recovery. He believes that MCAM could fill a gap that current treatments have not been able to close.
In situations where people avoid treatment out of fear, shame, or because of how the drugs make them feel, or those who relapse after long periods of being clean, MCAM could prove to be a valuable tool. Early lab tests suggest that MCAM could work for days or even weeks, while naloxone wears off in about an hour.
The development of MCAM is part of a broader effort to combat the opioid crisis in Texas. The expansion of opioid use disorder and recovery services is being led by Be Well Texas at UT Health San Antonio. The team is optimistic that MCAM could become a new tool in the fight against opioid addiction and overdose.
If someone takes opioids while MCAM is active in their system, they will not feel the usual effects, and they will not be at risk of a deadly overdose. This could potentially mean that MCAM could be taken as a daily or weekly medication to protect someone who is trying to stay clean.
As the clinical trials for MCAM approach, the hope is that this long-acting drug will prove to be an effective solution in reducing opioid overdoses and relapses, ultimately changing how addiction is managed across the country. If MCAM proves safe and effective in people, it could save tens of thousands of lives each year in the U.S., where opioid overdoses claim the lives of tens of thousands of people annually.
[1] UT Health San Antonio. (2023). New opioid antagonist could prevent overdoses and reduce relapse in individuals with opioid use disorder. [Press release] [2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Methocinnamox (MCAM) for the treatment of opioid use disorder. [Clinical trials information]
- The new long-acting opioid antagonist, Methocinnamox (MCAM), could offer extended protection from overdose and reduce the risk of relapse, making it a potential game-changer in the field of mental health and substance abuse therapies and treatments.
- In addition to addressing opioid addiction, the lead researcher is also hopeful that MCAM could be a valuable tool for people struggling with chronic diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, as it could potentially help manage pain without the risk of addiction.
- As part of a broader health-and-wellness initiative, the expansion of opioid use disorder and recovery services, led by Be Well Texas at UT Health San Antonio, aims to include MCAM as a new tool in the fight against opioid addiction and overdose.
- With its potential to protect individuals from opioid overdoses and provide extended relief from the effects of these substances, nutritionists and health professionals may consider recommending MCAM as a daily or weekly medication for those battling chronic conditions where pain management is crucial, such as in space-and-astronomy research, where long periods without pain relief could have severe consequences.
- Drawing inspiration from the development of new technologies in space-and-astronomy, researchers and advocates in the health-and-wellness community believe that advancements like MCAM could revolutionize the management of both physical and mental health conditions, including chronic diseases and substance abuse disorders, offering hope for millions of people worldwide.
