Preliminary findings indicate that an antibody vaccine that binds to angiotensin II so it is unable to activate angiotensin receptors has efficacy and is tolerable.
It is the first vaccine shown to reduce BP, say the researchers.
The study included 72 people with mild-to-moderate hypertension who were injected with 100μg or 300μg of the vaccine, currently named CYT006-AngQb, or placebo.
Injections of the vaccine developed by Cytos Biotechnology in Zurich were given at baseline and four and 12 weeks later.
Patients given the vaccine showed a strong response against angiotensin II, especially when given the stronger dose, the researchers told delegates at the American Heart Association (AHA) scientific sessions in Orlando, Florida.
Evaluation of 24-hour BP at 14 weeks showed those given 300μg of vaccine had a 5.6 mmHg reduction in systolic BP and a 2.8 mmHg reduction in diastolic BP.
rachel.liddle@haymarket.com
More details on the Scientific Sessions 2007 website
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