Will a cholesterol-busting vaccine work for humans?

Conclusion The first thing to keep in mind is this is an early-stage study in the development of a vaccine to lower cholesterol. The study found some of the experimental vaccines the researchers developed had an effect on the cholesterol levels of mice and monkeys to varying degrees. They now need to do further work to show the vaccine is effective and can be used safely in humans. Many drugs have very different effects in humans than they do in other animals. The use of statins to lower cholesterol and reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke is well established and effective for many people. Although there is ongoing controversy about the side effects of statins, they have been used for decades, and their benefits and risks are reasonably well understood. The type of vaccine being explored in this study works to "prime" the immune system to attack a naturally occurring protein in the body. While some people seem to remain healthy despite having been born without a functioning version of this protein, and indeed have a lower risk of heart disease, we don't yet know what the long-term effects of a vaccine that works in this way would have. The next crucial stage of research must be to establish the safety of this proposed new vaccine in humans. Until we know it is safe in people, there's not much point in speculating about how it could be used in the future. If you are unable or unwilling to take statins, there are alternatives that can reduce your cholester...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Medication Source Type: news