Researchers at the Ben-Gurion University and Sheba Medical Center both in Israel have developed a new way to create a biomedical polymer which reduces arterial plaque and in turn, fights stroke and heart diseases, otherwise termed as atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
It has been recorded that cardiovascular diseases account for 56 million deaths globally based on a 2015 Lancet Global Burden of Disease Report. Cardiovascular diseases usually begin with damage to the endothelium which results from high blood pressure, smoking or a high level of cholesterol which leads to plaque formation.
The new polymer reduces the existing plaque and prevents further build-up and inflammation which prevents arterial thrombosis, ischemia, myocardial infarction and stroke. In addition to reversing the arterial damage, the new polymer also improves the heart function.
The polymer-based therapy has been tested extensively with mice. Great signs of improvement were reflected. The team now seeks a pharmaceutical company to help bring the therapy through the next stages of drug development and eventually the market.