Nicotine Vaccination and Nicotinic Receptor Occupancy

Nicotine Dependence Clinical Trial

Official title: 123I-5-IA SPECT Imaging of Nicotinic Receptors and Effects of Nicotine Vaccine

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This is a molecular imaging research study designed to examine how much nicotine gets into the brain before and after vaccination with NicVAX, a nicotine vaccine developed by Nabi Biopharmaceuticals. NicVAX (Nicotine Conjugate Vaccine) is an investigational vaccine designed as an aid to smoking cessation and long-term abstinence, as well as an aid to prevent relapses of a treated smoker.

In this project we want to understand the degree to which NicVAX administration changes how much nicotine enters the brain in smokers.

Clinical Trial Description

The purpose of the present study is to examine the occupancy of brain β2-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (β2-nAChR) by nicotine both at baseline and following administration of a nicotine vaccine. The number of brain β2-nAChR and the amount of nicotine occupancy both before and after vaccination will be measured using the nicotinic agonist [123I]5-IA-85380 ([123I]5-IA) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). [123I]5-IA will be administered using the bolus plus constant infusion paradigm to smokers abstinent for 4-9 days (time period necessary for nicotine and pharmacological active metabolites to clear from brain). Three baseline SPECT images will be obtained after equilibrium has been reached (~6 hours into the [123I]5-IA infusion). Then, IV nicotine will be administered (0.5-1.5 mg/70 kg will be infused over 10 minutes). Following a series of 4 nicotine vaccine shots, the same procedure will be repeated for a second [123I]5-IA scan day. We hypothesize that occupancy of β2-nAChR will be significantly lower, and take longer to plateau, following nicotine vaccine administration. ;

Study Design

Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Health Services Research

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Nicotine Dependence

• NCT number: NCT00996034
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Yale University
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Start date: September 2009
• Completion date: February 2011