Researchers at The University of New Mexico School of Medicine have developed a groundbreaking vaccine that may revolutionize heart health by offering an affordable method to lower bad LDL cholesterol levels. High cholesterol affects nearly two in five adults in the United States, and if left untreated, can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke. These conditions account for a significant number of deaths globally each year.
The team, led by Bryce Chackerian, Ph.D., has published a recent study in npj Vaccines detailing how their vaccine effectively reduces LDL cholesterol levels, comparable to expensive drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors. Chackerian, a Regents’ Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, emphasizes the need for a more accessible and cost-effective approach to tackling high cholesterol, especially in regions with limited resources.
Cardiologist Abinash Achrekar, who also suffers from high cholesterol, recognizes the need for more accessible treatments. He has personally tried various methods, such as statins and the PCSK9 monoclonal shot. While these drugs can effectively lower LDL cholesterol, they are expensive and require prior authorization from healthcare providers.
To address this issue, Chackerian and his colleagues developed a vaccine based on a non-infectious virus particle. By attaching small fragments of the PCSK9 protein to the virus shell, the vaccine triggers a strong immune response against the protein that regulates cholesterol levels. Animal studies have shown a significant reduction in cholesterol levels, up to 30%, which is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
After a decade of successful tests on mice and monkeys, the next step for Chackerian’s team is to secure funding for vaccine manufacturing and human clinical trials. Although this process can be time-consuming and costly, Chackerian believes it is essential to develop a vaccine that is safe, effective, and affordable.
The current PCSK9 inhibitor therapies have shown immense potential in lowering cholesterol levels, but the high cost of these treatments could strain healthcare systems if adopted on a large scale. Chackerian’s vaccine, on the other hand, is estimated to cost less than $100 per dose and remains effective for close to a year. Its affordability and ease of production make it a viable solution not only in the United States but also in regions worldwide where heart disease is prevalent.
Chackerian and his team are committed to making a global impact with their vaccine. With ongoing dedication and continued research efforts, they hope to bring this innovative solution to market and provide individuals worldwide with a cost-effective and accessible treatment option for high cholesterol levels – ultimately reducing the burden of heart disease and its associated complications.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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