TA-CD
Cocaine Dependence
TA-CD is a novel and proprietary immunotherapy in development for the treatment of cocaine addiction.
TA-CD is an immunotherapeutic vaccine designed to stimulate the generation of antibodies to cocaine in addicts. These antibodies bind to cocaine molecules as they enter the patient's blood stream. The resulting bound molecules are too large to reach the brain removing or reducing the pleasurable stimulus. It is anticipated that the blunting of the pleasurable experience will substantially reduce the positive reinforcement associated with cocaine, which, when integrated into a patient management plan that includes counseling, will permit the patient to break the cycle of addiction and abuse.
Treatment with TA-CD is expected to be part of a comprehensive management program that includes other supportive measures.
TA-CD has completed four Phase II trials with a total of 161 patients to date, and is expected to enter a larger Phase II study in 2007. TA-CD is not yet approved by the FDA or EMEA. The vaccine dossier is expected to be filed with these agencies in 2010.
Market
Every year, 800,000 patients in the US attend in-patient programs and out-patient clinics seeking treatment for cocaine addiction. In spite of known health risks and social consequences more than 95% of all cocaine addicts who try to quit relapse, highlighting the need for a new approach to supporting this patient population and addressing this serious public health concern. In addition to the obvious adverse impact on society of cocaine abuse, it is estimated that a cocaine abuser consumes as much as $30,000 extra healthcare resources a year as a result of their addiction.