Cholesterol-busting vaccine may save thousands of lives

A VACCINE which reduces cholesterol could save thousands of lives by preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Known as AT04A, the jab targets the enzyme PCSK9, which blocks clearance of low-density lipoprotein, the “bad” form of the fatty substance.

In tests on mice it reduced total cholesterol by 53%. Trials on humans have already started. The vaccine was created by Australian

HOPE Researcher Dr Staffler

firm AFFiRis. Researcher Dr Gunther Staffler said: “If these findings translate successfully into humans we could develop a long-lasting therapy that would result in an effective treatment.” British Heart Foundation medical director Professor Sir Nilesh Samani added: “This vaccine could ultimately reduce people’s risk of heart disease. “More research is needed to show it is an effective and safe treatment for patients.”