Cocaine Vaccine?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse announced something interesting yesterday: substantial progress towards a vaccine that could reduce cocaine use. I'm curious about this from two perspectives. First, it's an example of the kinds of scientific research the federal government makes possible that happens largely out of the public eye, unless, of course, there's a major breakthrough. Second, the idea of a vaccine for drug addiction raises interesting questions about consent and medicine. Would people convicted for possession and sentenced to treatment programs be required to take such a vaccine? Would it be strictly voluntary? In any case, it's big news, particularly if it's ultimately successful and goes into manufacture.