This vaccine has the potential to enhance the management of this disease, and reduce the cost of treatment.
Atherosclerosis is a progressive condition leading to arterial blockage and reduced blood flow.
Clinical manifestations of the disease include many forms of cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death in the United States, including heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Atherosclerosis can also contribute to other conditions such as hypertension and chronic kidney failure. Some individuals with atherogenic cholesterol levels will be given one of the daily cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins. While these drugs do provide some reduction in the risk of developing or advancing atherosclerosis, their use is limited due to the high annual cost for lifetime treatment and compliance problems. It was reasoned if this protein was inhibited less atherogenic cholesterol levels might be achieved, and in particular HDL levels might be raised.