Scientists believe they’ve come up with a vaccine that will prevent — or cure — the high levels of cholesterol that are causing almost 2 in 5 adults to have hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).

“This bad cholesterol — in the form of low-density proteins or LDLs — is the type that can cause dangerous blockages in the arteries, reducing oxygen flow to the heart or causing blood clots that can lead to a stroke,” reported Science Alerts.

But now, researchers have found that, with the help of a vaccine based on a noninfectious particle, they can circumvent the formation of LDLs by targeting a protein known to have an important relationship to LDLs. That protein, PCSK9, is the same one targeted by a cholesterol drug administered through a shot.

“The vaccine developed by the researchers was shown to be able to reduce bad cholesterol by up to 30%,” Science Alert explained. “Though it’s as effective as current PCSK9 inhibitors, it’s a solution that could potentially cost much less.”

The vaccine will need to go through clinical trials before it’s available to the general public.

SOURCE:

Science Alert December 28, 2023