Scientists Develop Low Cost Vaccine for High Cholesterol

Researchers at The University of New Mexico School of Medicine have developed a potential game-changing vaccine that could provide an inexpensive method to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly two in five U.S. adults have high cholesterol, and worldwide, cardiovascular diseases claim nearly 18 million lives every year. 

The team, led by Bryce Chackerian, Ph.D., Regents’ Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, published a study in npj Vaccines detailing the effectiveness of the vaccine in lowering LDL cholesterol. The vaccine was found to be almost as effective as the expensive class of drugs known as PCSK9 inhibitors, providing a potentially more accessible and affordable alternative. 

Chackerian emphasized the need for a less expensive and broadly applicable approach, not only in the United States but also in places where resources for expensive therapies are limited. The vaccine development aims to address the profound global impact of high cholesterol levels on public health. 

The vaccine targets PCSK9, a protein produced in the liver that circulates through the bloodstream and negatively regulates the metabolism of LDL cholesterol. High levels of PCSK9 lead to elevated LDL cholesterol, which can contribute to the formation of dangerous plaques that block blood vessels. The team used vaccine platform technology to attach tiny pieces of the PCSK9 protein to the surface of non-infectious virus particles. 

Chackerian explained that the immune system responds by producing strong antibodies against the PCSK9 protein, leading to a reduction in cholesterol levels. In animal trials, the vaccine demonstrated significant cholesterol reductions of up to 30%, correlating with a reduced risk of heart disease. 

Abinash Achrekar, M.D., MPH, vice chair and professor in the UNM Department of Internal Medicine, shared his perspective as both a cardiologist and a patient with high cholesterol since the age of 16. He mentioned using various treatments, including statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, which require injections and are expensive. While effective, these treatments face challenges with insurance processing and prior authorization. 

Chackerian’s vaccine offers a potential solution that is not only effective but also cost-effective. The vaccine could be manufactured at a lower cost, estimated to be potentially less than $100 per dose. Chackerian highlighted the simplicity and relative inexpensiveness of the bacterial production process. 

The researcher emphasized the potential global impact of the vaccine, estimating that each dose could remain effective for close to a year. Given the widespread prevalence of high cholesterol levels, Chackerian pointed out that widespread adoption of existing PCSK9 inhibitor therapies could strain healthcare systems. In contrast, the vaccine could provide an affordable and sustainable solution. 

Although the vaccine has shown promising results in animal trials over the past decade, the next steps involve securing funding for vaccine manufacturing and progressing to clinical trials with humans. While this process can take years and requires substantial funding, Chackerian expressed the importance of developing a vaccine that is pure, safe, and accessible to a broad population. 

The potential impact of this vaccine on global cardiovascular health is significant, offering hope for a future where a cost-effective solution addresses the widespread issue of high cholesterol and its associated risks. Chackerian’s team remains dedicated to advancing the vaccine into human trials and aims to have it available for use within the next 10 years. 

Journal Reference 

Alexandra Fowler et al, A virus-like particle-based bivalent PCSK9 vaccine lowers LDL-cholesterol levels in non-human primates, npj Vaccines (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00743-6