WKRC-Local News 12: UC researchers develop antibody to neutralize cocaine high
UC scientist makes advances in treating addiction
Local 12 News journalist Angenette Levy spoke with Andrew Norman, professor in the UC Department of Pharmacy and Systems Physiology, for a segment about his latest research. Norman leads a team of researchers at UC College of Medicine, who have developed an anti-cocaine antibody for humans that may help block the effects of cocaine and aid individuals battling drug addiction to stay in recovery.
The human antibody, reengineered in a laboratory, is now being manufactured for human trials that are expected to begin later this year. When injected into the bloodstream, that antibody attaches to cocaine, preventing it from entering the brain and limiting its behavioral effects. Its success at reducing the drug’s effects have been documented in animal models of cocaine relapse.
Norman said the antibody isn’t a silver bullet, but possibly another tool in the toolbox for battling addiction. He spoke to Levy along with collaborator Terry Kirley, also a professor in the UC Department of Pharmacy and Systems Physiology.
Listen to the full segment on WKRC-Local 12 News.
Related Stories
Sugar overload killing hearts
November 10, 2025
Two in five people will be told they have diabetes during their lifetime. And people who have diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease. One of the deadliest dangers? Diabetic cardiomyopathy. But groundbreaking University of Cincinnati research hopes to stop and even reverse the damage before it’s too late.
App turns smartwatch into detector of structural heart disease
November 10, 2025
An app that uses an AI model to read a single-lead ECG from a smartwatch can detect structural heart disease, researchers reported at the 2025 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association. Although the technology requires further validation, researchers said it could help improve the identification of patients with heart failure, valvular conditions and left ventricular hypertrophy before they become symptomatic, which could improve the prognosis for people with these conditions.
Combination immunotherapy helps overcome melanoma treatment resistance
November 10, 2025
MSN highlighted research led by the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's Trisha Wise-Draper showing a combination of immunotherapy medications can activate a robust immune response and help overcome treatment resistance in patients with refractory melanoma.