The vaccine, developed for astronauts, could help the elderly

American scientists are working on a “space vaccine” that could also improve the lives of an aging population.

University of Central Florida (UCF) researchers work with biotechnology company Vaccinity to develop a vaccine to prevent and reduce muscle and bone weakness. Miami Herald Saturday morning.

The collaboration, supported by state funding, aims to treat bone and muscle loss, a common health problem among astronauts on long-duration weightless journeys, but also atrophy in the elderly.

The number of people age 85 and older in the United States is expected to triple by 2060. In this context, research that leads to longer, healthier lives is becoming increasingly important to American researchers.

“We look forward to collaborating with Vaccinity on this research and applying their unique technology to benefit our planet's aging population and future astronauts,” Vaccinity's vice president of business affairs said in a statement. UCF School of Medicine, Deborah Health and Dean German.

If all goes well, human clinical trials for the vaccines could begin by 2025, said Vaccinity co-founder and executive chairman Lou Rees. Miami Herald.