A Step Closer to a Vaccine against Atherosclerosis

Lund University Technology Group has entered a collaboration agreement with US-based Cardiovax for development of a vaccine against atherosclerosis. Cardiovax has raised USD 10.1 million with the aim to complete the first human tests within three years.

The project is built on a collaboration between researchers from the Medical faculty from the University of Lund and researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, University of California, LA. The researchers have identified an athero−protective immune response against epitopes in oxidized LDL, low-density lipoprotein. These epitopes have been characterized, isolated and are now being used in attempts to develop a vaccine therapy for atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease characterized by intimal inflammation and fibrosis of large and medium−sized arteries. It is the major cause of myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral artery disease.

For further information please contact:

Jan Nilsson,

Professor

Tel: +46 040 33 76 84

Email: Jan.Nilsson@med.lu.se

Or visit: http://www.research.med.lu.se/en_projektdetaljer.php?Proj=231