Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
Molecular structure and liquids used in research labs
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  6. Virus-Like Particle Vaccines for Opioids

Virus-Like Particle Vaccines for Opioids

Description

Virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from Qbeta bacteriophage are engineered to allow the conjugation of opioid drug derivatives. The Qbeta VLPs are highly immunogenic vaccine platforms that are multivalent, increasing the immunogenicity of molecules. The opioid drug derivatives are chemically conjugated at high density on Qbeta VLPs, resulting in high titer, long-lasting antibodies after a single dose. The anti-peptide antibodies are elicited as early as a week after immunization. Within two to three weeks, a high titer is achieved.

Additional information

Patent number and inventor

PCT/US2021/020163

Bryce Chackerian, Kathryn M. Frietze, and Naomi Lee.

Potential applications

Clinical applications to overcome opioid use disorder.

Benefits and advantages

This vaccine is a novel treatment method for opioid dependency, overdose, and withdrawal. The vaccines could possibly prevent opioid drugs from crossing the blood-brain barrier and prevent opioid-mediated antinociception. Also, the Qbeta VLPs elicit high titer and long-lasting antibodies.

Case number and licensing status

2019-019

This innovation is available for licensing.