Researchers have developed a jab which they claim would soon replace the need for taking pills to control high blood pressure.The researchers at the Swiss biotechnology firm Cytos have carried out humans trials of the injection and found that the vaccine against a hormone in the blood significantly cuts hypertension with few side effects.According to lead researcher Dr Martin Bachmann, the vaccine could offer a much more simple way of controlling blood pressure and could be administered during regular visits to the doctor. The researchers have tested the jab on 72 patients with high blood pressure they found that it works without any serious side-effects during a 14-week trial. The injections were given at the start, and after four weeks and 12 weeks — enough to give a patient four-month resistance.They found that the vaccine works against the hormone angiotensin which causes blood vessels to constrict and raise blood pressure.Neither dose significantly lowered blood pressure at night. But during the day the larger dose significantly lowered blood pressure, especially during the late morning peak when blood pressure is known to increase.However, they said that the findings were promising but large-scale trials were now needed.
