Hypercholesterolemia is a high level of cholesterol and represents a significant risk for cardiovascular diseases. It claims almost 18 million lives a year according to the WHO. Researchers at the University of New Mexico developed a “vaccine” against LDL cholesterol that may help reduce it.
They develop a new “vaccine” that can help reduce LDL cholesterol
Increased cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, represents a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Without treatment, high cholesterol can trigger heart problems and strokes, causing nearly 18 million deaths annually worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
A team of researchers at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine has developed a new formula that could revolutionize the reduction of LDL cholesterol, known as “bad,” responsible for the formation of dangerous plaques that clog blood vessels.
Published in NPJ Vaccines, the study suggests that this option could rival expensive PCSK9 inhibitors, offering an affordable and globally applicable alternative to combat the dangers associated with high cholesterol.
Is it or is it not a vaccine?
In a recent study published in NPJ Vaccines, led by Professor Bryce Chackerian of the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, it was revealed that in tests they managed to reduce LDL cholesterol. The efficacy is comparable to PCSK9 inhibitors, which are very expensive drugs.
Chackerian expressed interest in developing a more affordable and globally applicable approach, especially in resource-limited regions. The discovery could offer an economical alternative to combat high cholesterol and its associated risks worldwide.
The innovative drug is injected twice a year. It is safe and produces minimal side effects. It stands out for its notable effectiveness, achieving a sustained reduction of 54% in LDL cholesterol in patients with cardiovascular disease.
This drug represents the beginning of a new era in medical products, marking a significant advance in medicine. Using messenger RNA technology, it modulates LDH naturally. The drug Iclisaran introduces RNA fragments. They attach to the mRNA that is responsible for the production of the PSCK9 protein. This protein is responsible for regulating cholesterol levels.
This process activates a cellular response upon detecting an abnormality, which destroys the “hooked” mRNA. In this way, the liver can efficiently remove cholesterol from the blood, and also reduce LDL levels.
The discussion is whether or not the discovery is a vaccine. Iclisaran offers almost magical control over cholesterol. Just two punctures a year achieve a surprising impact on the regulation of levels. This approach provides a novel solution for cholesterol management, with notable benefits and exceptional convenience.
