There is no doubt about it; stopping smoking is difficult for even the most highly willed smoker. Despite all of the health evidence and research provided on the negative health affects caused by smoking, smokers will often fail in their quit attempt. In fact, research suggests that of the large numbers of people who try to quit smoking each year, only 5% will succeed without medical assistance/intervention.

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One new method to help smokers to quit the habit is currently being trialled, with some promising initial results. An anti-smoking vaccine which is hoped to assist many smokers in their attempt to quit is currently being developed. The vaccine provides smokers with an increased level of antibodies to fight nicotine when it enters the body. Upon inhaling cigarette smoke, these antibodies neutralise the nicotine, preventing it from reaching the brain. The nicotine therefore does not reach the nerves in the brain, so cannot stimulate those nerves associated with addiction.

Initial trials of the injection have been successful in providing an increased level of the anti-nicotine antibodies in the participant’s bloodstreams. What is encouraging is that these levels also remained at a higher level a year after the injection – providing hope that the anti-smoking vaccination will work as a long-term solution and assist smokers who may relapse. 

Following initial successful trials, larger scale medical trials are currently underway. Should the vaccine prove to have similar results to the initial trial, stopping smoking by injection may just be a few years away.