Osaka: A research team from Osaka University, with the aim of developing a therapeutic vaccine for hypertension, have successfully developed a DNA vaccine which targets Angiotensin II, a molecule which has been shown to increase blood pressure. Recently, there has been clinical testing overseas to treat hypertension through the use of vaccines targeting Angiotensin II, but the effects only lasted for a few weeks. However, the vaccine developed from this research, when given to mice with high blood pressure, maintained a lowered blood pressure for at least half of a year. As a result, the life-span of the rats in the administered group was also significantly lengthened. The creation of a long-lasting vaccine like the one found in these medical results may bring us closer to realizing a permanent cure for hypertension.
With the success of this research, it’s assumed that the dosing interval will become much longer than already existing antihypertensive medication, which could contribute to a significant decrease in necessary antihypertensive medication, an increase in adherence, a decrease in cardiovascular illness, and a reduction in medical costs. Looking forward, development will continue on the formulation of medication that will more efficiently exhibit these effects, with clinical trials already being planned.
