In an ironic twist, the old BCG tuberculosis vaccine that uses a weakened TB bacteria turns out to be provide protection against Alzheimers, but US scientists are being blocked from investigating it because it is a generic jab that only costs 14 cents per dose (and is probably pretty safe as well)!
"Prof. Annelise Barron reveals a stark reality in biomedical research: the system is engineered to reward novel, patentable technologies. The focus is on high-cost treatments, not low-cost or free prevention. This isn't just theoretical—it's actively blocking a 111-year-old vaccine with staggering potential.
The BCG vaccine, costing just 14 cents per dose, is FDA-approved for bladder cancer. But landmark studies from Harvard, Israel, and Denmark showed it also slashes the risk of Alzheimer's by 58% and Parkinson's by 28%.Here’s the catch: the moment these revolutionary papers were published, Prof. Barron found the vaccine mysteriously became unavailable for her research.
Think about that. A dirt-cheap, proven intervention that could prevent our most feared neurodegenerative diseases was effectively shelved. The existing, profitable business models for treating—not curing—these conditions remain unchallenged.
The BCG story is a testament to the power of simple immunology and a damning indictment of a system where the "love of money" dictates which cures see the light of day. It’s a powerful reminder that the most transformative medicine isn't always the most complex or expensive—sometimes, it's the one they won't let you have."