A cholesterol-lowering vaccine has successfully
prevented heart disease in mice — and humans could be
next.
Known as AT04A, the vaccine triggers the production of
antibodies that target an enzyme involved in regulating
levels of blood cholesterol.
When injected into mice, the vaccine treatment cut their
total blood cholesterol by 53% over 12 months and also
protected against the build-up of fatty deposits in the
arteries.
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna have
now started the process of testing the vaccine on 72
human volunteers.
According to the researchers, the first phase of human
trials should be completed by the end of the year.
Afterwards, they will check for possible side-effects
before commencing more studies in people.
Gunther Staffler, chief technology officer at the Austrian
biotech company AFFiRis, which developed the vaccine,
said: “AT04A was able to induce antibodies that
specifically targeted the enzyme PCSK9 throughout the
study period in the circulation of the treated mice.
“As a consequence, levels of cholesterol were reduced in
a consistent and long-lasting way, resulting in a
reduction of fatty deposits in the arteries and
atherosclerotic damage, as well as reduced arterial wall
inflammation.
“If these findings translate successfully into humans, this
could mean that, as the induced antibodies persist for
months after a vaccination, we could develop a long-
lasting therapy that, after the first vaccination, just needs
an annual booster. This would result in an effective and
more convenient treatment for patients, as well as higher
patient compliance.”
The findings were published in the European Heart
Journal.
TheCable
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