Test memory eradication drugs for drug detoxification

US researchers have unveiled a new, breakthrough experimental drug that can erase memories associated with addiction in drug addicts.

Drug detox with memory eradication

Currently, drug-addicted people often struggle with memories that entice them to relapse even after detoxification and every month or even years without drugs.

Only one experimental injection can selectively remove the drug-associated memories in the addict.(Artwork: CCTV)

According to the Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in the US, their new discovery will lead us closer to a new drug therapy , based on selective removal of drug-related memories. , persistent danger and clinging.

"We now have an authentic goal and by neutralizing that goal, we can destroy and erase the memories associated with drugs, but still not harm other memories. Hopefully, when combined with traditional detox and abstinence therapies, we can reduce or eliminate relapse to "brown fairies " after a course of treatment. unique by eliminating the power of personal stimuli, 'said Professor Courtney Miller of TSRI.

The research published by the TSRI Institute in Molecular Psychiatry showed the effect of a single experimental injection, called blebbistatin, in preventing relapse of methamphetamine (also known as "stone drugs"). ") in animals. The new study is based on the results of a two-year study by the laboratory, led by Ms. Miller.

In 2013, Ms. Miller and her colleagues had the amazing discovery that we could selectively erase drug-related memories by attacking actin, proteins that provide structural support for signatories. memory in the brain. However, the therapy that can be derived from this finding appears to be limited by one problem: actin is extremely important throughout the body, so taking it, even once, can be dangerous. Deadly.

In the new study, Miller's group announced an important step when it discovered a safe path to selectively attack actin in the brain, via myosin II, a protein that supports memory formation. To do this, researchers use blebbistatin to control myosin II protein.

Test results revealed, only one injection of blebbistatin successfully destroyed long-term storage of drug-related memories and prevent relapse for at least a month in rock- addicted animals . In addition, according to the researchers, while actin drugs often have to be transmitted directly into the brain , blebbistatin can still access the brain even when injected into the peripheral feces of the body and thicken. especially experimental animals are still healthy.

The team hopes that their new discovery could soon be applied to humans to treat drug addiction - a problem in countries around the world today.