Evaluation of the anticocaine monoclonal antibody GNC92H2 as an immunotherapy for cocaine overdose

Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2005 Aug;81(4):709-14. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2005.04.018.

Abstract

The illicit use of cocaine continues in epidemic proportions and treatment for cocaine overdose remains elusive. Current protein-based technology offers a new therapeutic venue by which antibodies bind the drug in the blood stream, inactivating its toxic effects. The therapeutic potential of the anticocaine antibody GNC92H2 was examined using a model of cocaine overdose. Swiss albino mice prepared with intrajugular catheters were tested in photocell cages after administration of 93 mg/kg (LD50) of cocaine and GNC92H2 infusions ranging from 30 to 190 mg/kg. GNC92H2 was delivered 30 min before, concomitantly or 3 min after cocaine treatment. Significant blockade of cocaine toxicity was observed with the higher dose of GNC92H2 (190 mg/kg), where premorbid behaviors were reduced up to 40%, seizures up to 77% and death by 72%. Importantly, GNC92H2 prevented death even post-cocaine injection. The results support the important potential of GNC92H2 as a therapeutic tool against cocaine overdose.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Cocaine / immunology
  • Cocaine / toxicity*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Overdose / mortality
  • Drug Overdose / therapy
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Seizures / chemically induced
  • Seizures / prevention & control
  • Survival Rate
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Cocaine