Genome-edited skin epidermal stem cells protect mice from cocaine-seeking behaviour and cocaine overdose

In this article gene therapy using CRISPR is used to modify the gene that produces the BChE protein. This protein hydrolyzes cocaine in the bloodstream; the unmodified protein is slow and inefficient. Using CRISPR the scientists have modified the gene in stem cells then implanted it back into the body under the skin. It is 4,440 times more efficient at hydrolyzing the drug, cost-efficient, and seems to be a long-term solution to cocaine addiction. The mice with the modified gene no longer craved the drug and were able to survive fatal doses of it. They hope to continue this research by testing on humans and possibly applying the process to other addictions such as alcohol and nicotine.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-018-0293-z.pdf
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/sep/17/cure-for-cocaine-addiction-in-reach-say-scientists