UNM Health Sciences has announced that researchers from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine have developed a vaccine with the potential to significantly reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol. The vaccine, as revealed in a recent study published in NPJ Vaccines, has demonstrated effectiveness comparable to costly PCSK9 inhibitors, thereby offering a more affordable option to combat cholesterol-related health risks.
The research team, led by Bryce Chackerian and consisting of researchers based in New Mexico, has harnessed technology from The University of New Mexico to develop this innovative solution. The vaccine targets a protein that elevates cholesterol levels. Specifically, it focuses on the PCSK9 protein, a molecule produced in the liver that regulates LDL cholesterol metabolism. According to a press release by UNM Health Sciences, the vaccine was created using cost-effective bacteria and aims to provide an affordable alternative to current treatments, potentially costing less than $100 per dose.
Chackerian stated in a press release by UNM Health Sciences: "We are interested in trying to develop another approach that would be less expensive and more broadly applicable, not just in the United States, but also in places that don't have the resources to afford these very expensive therapies."
He further added: "This is a vaccine that we think can have a global impact. So, not just in the United States, but around the world where heart disease is a significant problem."
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine was established in the early 1960s and has since gained national acclaim for its rural and family medicine programs. Notably, its innovative Combined BA/MD Degree Program has opened doors for students across New Mexico by offering them a unique pathway to pursue medical careers. Over 40 percent of practicing physicians within the state are graduates of this School of Medicine and its residency programs according to information provided on their About webpage.
