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High cholesterol is a growing concern among adults in the US, affecting nearly 40% of the population. Fortunately, a new vaccine is being developed that shows great promise in lowering levels of "bad" cholesterol in the body. This "bad" cholesterol, known as LDL or low-density lipoproteins, can lead to dangerous blockages in arteries, reducing oxygen flow to the heart and potentially causing strokes. Researchers from the University of New Mexico and the University of California, Davis have made significant progress in reducing LDL levels by targeting a protein called PCSK9, which is closely associated with LDLs. The vaccine, based on a non-infectious virus particle, utilizes the shell of a virus to develop vaccines for various purposes. In this case, the vaccine triggers an immune response that neutralizes the PCSK9 protein and reduces bad cholesterol. Tests on mice and monkeys have shown that the vaccine can lower bad cholesterol by up to 30%. What makes this vaccine particularly exciting is its potential cost-effectiveness compared to existing PCSK9 inhibitors. The scientists behind the vaccine aim to develop a solution that is not only less expensive but also more widely accessible globally

They recognize the need for affordable therapies in countries that lack resources. While the vaccine is still undergoing extensive research and human trials, its potential to save millions of lives makes the efforts worthwhile. Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of about 18 million people worldwide each year. The researchers expect to have a vaccine available for human use within the next decade. Until then, further studies and funding are required to progress to the next stage. The encouraging results of this research have been published in NPJ Vaccines, offering hope for a future where high cholesterol is more effectively and affordably managed.