Cholesterol-lowering jab 'shows promise' for heart disease

Conclusion This mouse study evaluated the potential of the AT04A vaccine to lower cholesterol levels and potentially reduce or prevent heart disease. The results were promising, showing that mice given the vaccine produced antibodies against the enzyme that stops LDL cholesterol being cleared from the body. This resulted in reduced total and LDL blood cholesterol levels, as well as reduced atherosclerosis. No major safety concerns or side effects were reported. Following this research, AT04A has now moved on to a phase I clinical trial. A small number of people will be given the vaccine to see if it's safe for use in humans. If it's shown to be safe, the next step would be to carry out a trial in a slightly larger number of people. If this shows promise, it could then move to larger randomised controlled trials comparing the vaccine with other established cholesterol treatments, such as statins. If further trials are successful, the AT04A vaccine could be a safe, cost effective way of lowering LDL cholesterol and preventing and treating heart disease. But it's far too early to know at this stage. There are many more trials to go, and it'll probably be years before it's known if this could be a new vaccine licensed for use in humans. For now, the best way to control your cholesterol level is to eat a balanced diet, stay physically active, and not smoke. See more tips on preventing high cholesterol. Links To The Headlines Cholesterol-lowering jab to help prevent heart dis...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Food/diet Heart/lungs Source Type: news