Development of addiction vaccine is leaping forward, experts say

WASHINGTON - The successful development and marketing of an anti-addiction vaccine is closer now than ever before, experts announced Tuesday at a congressional briefing.

"In conjunction with behavioral therapy, vaccines could reduce or stop drug use," said S. Michael Owens, director of the Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

Research over the past decade has helped scientists better understand how the addiction process works and has led to the initial designing and testing of vaccines that may cure addiction in drug abusers and help them avoid relapses.