Efforts for Lyme disease vaccines and preventative treatments gain momentum

The global rise in Lyme disease cases is encouraging scientists to develop new vaccine and treatment strategies to prevent tick-borne infections. While there is currently no approved vaccine for humans, ongoing clinical trials are revealing promising results.

Current situation in Lyme disease

Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites, can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. With approximately 476,000 people diagnosed annually in the US, the impact of the disease on public health is brought to light.

Climate change and the expansion of forested areas are increasing the spread of tick populations and lengthening the tick season. These environmental factors expand the risk of disease transmission to wider geographies, amplifying the threat.

Vaccine development processes

The LYMErix vaccine, approved in the past in 1998, had been withdrawn from the market in 2002 due to low demand and side effect claims. Today, the vaccine candidate named PF-07307405, developed in collaboration with Pfizer and Valneva, is drawing attention by showing over 70% efficacy in Phase 3 trials.

Similarly, Moderna is continuing its work on two different vaccines targeting the OspA protein found on the surface of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. These next-generation vaccines aim to provide safer and more effective protection against the disease.

Alternative preventative methods

In addition to vaccine studies, new-generation preventative treatments developed through direct antibody injection methods, such as TNX-4800, are being focused on. These methods aim to minimize the risk of infection by supporting the immune system.

Additionally, pill-form drugs such as TP-05, which target the nervous system of ticks, are under development. Experts state that these innovative approaches could be a major turning point in the fight against tick-borne diseases.