Scientists have begun a clinical trial to test a high cholesterol vaccine after research on mice proved successful.
If the vaccine turns out to be effective in humans, it could provide a long-lasting, convenient treatment for those suffering from high levels of cholesterol—which can lead to heart disease, strokes and death.
At present, high cholesterol is normally treated with statins…However, patients must take them every day and many do not comply because of side effects.
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In the study, the scientists found the vaccine reduced the total amount of cholesterol by 53 percent. It also reduced damage to the blood vessels by 64 percent and reduced the markers of blood vessel inflammation by up to 28 percent. Researchers also showed the antibodies continued to work throughout the study and concentrations remained high at the end of the test period.
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However, other experts highlight potential risks…Tim Chico, from the University of Sheffield, U.K., said: “[P]art of the appeal of this approach…is also a drawback as it might induce side effects that would be difficult to reverse. If a drug causes a side effect this usually disappears when the patient stops the drug, but the approach used in this study would alter the immune system permanently.”
[Read the full study here]
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