Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder with no known cure that affects more than 5.5 million Americans, may finally be preventable. That’s if a vaccine developed by researchers at the University of New Mexico currently being tested turns out to be viable, reports local news outlet KRQE.
Kiran Bhaskar, associate professor at UNM’s Health and Sciences Department, has been studying Alzheimer’s disease for 10 years, starting with the search for a cure. Over the last few years, Bhaskar and his team have been testing a vaccine on mice with Alzheimer’s, targeting a specific protein commonly found in the brains of those with the disease, according to KRQE.
The mice that received the vaccine performed better on maze-like tests after a series of injections, compared to those that did not.
Next, the researchers are looking for partnerships to get a clinical grade vaccine. From there, they will develop a vaccine safe for humans that will be submitted to the FDA for approval––a five-year process.
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Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."