Dr. Juan Asenjo, the director of the Institute for Cell Dynamics and Biotechnology at Universidad de Chile, is leading a team of researchers who are developing a vaccine for alcoholics. The injection makes drinking alcohol intolerable as it gives the person an immediate hangover when they take a sip and it is introduced into their system.

Geek.com reports that the vaccine stops the enzyme that usually breaks down alcohol, causing the liver to produce a compound called “acetaldehyde.” This is what causes a hangover, making the person feel nauseous and uncomfortable. If they continue to drink, they will feel worse and these symptoms could be prolonged.

The injection, which remains active for 6-12 months, will be tested on human subjects in November following a trial on mice. If these are successful, the vaccine could be made commercially available by 2015.

Universidad de Chile

Photos by Rice and Danielle and Michal Sanger