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
Chris Higgins named UC Foundation Vice President for Development, Academic Health Enterprise
January 6, 2026
The University of Cincinnati Foundation is pleased to welcome Chris Higgins as the new Vice President for Development, Academic Health Enterprise.
What's behind the mysterious rise of migraines?
January 5, 2026
Weather patterns such as extreme heat and storm conditions have been linked to migraine attacks, and research shows those environmental conditions are becoming more common. As National Geographic recently reported, one of the leading theories behind this mysterious rise is that climate change may be playing a role.
Top six 2025 nephrology drug approvals
January 5, 2026
“2025 has been a landmark year for kidney disease therapeutics, marked by a comprehensive slate of FDA approvals covering endothelin-receptor blockade, complement inhibition, GLP-1-based metabolic protection, and B-cell-directed therapy,” Prakash Gudsoorkar, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and staff nephrologist at UC Health, recently told MedCentral.