UMass Chan researchers move forward on Lyme disease prevention shot

Photo | Courtesy of UMass Chan Medical School Mark Klempner, professor of medicine and former executive vice chancellor for MassBiologics

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By Katherine Hamilton

Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School’s vaccine branch MassBiologics have nearly completed the first phase clinical trials for a shot protecting against Lyme disease, the Worcester medical school announced Thursday.

The shot contains an antibody to provide immunity against Lyme and has proved 100% effective when tested in animals, Mark Klempner, professor of medicine and former executive vice chancellor for MassBiologics, said in the announcement.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans by a tick bite. Roughly 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, most of whom are located in the Northeast, research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows.

MassBiologics’ shot is not a vaccine. It prevents infection by delivering an antibody to a person directly, rather than triggering a person’s immune system to make antibodies.

The phase I trial included 48 volunteers who had never been exposed to Lyme disease to see if the shot caused any adverse effects. The phase I trial ends in August and no adverse effects have been seen yet.

Second and third phase clinical trials are under development and anticipated to begin in about a year. The later trials will test the shot on participants with a heightened risk for Lyme, such as those who spend a lot of time outdoors and in high-risk areas.

The shot could be licensed and available to the public in 2024, Klempner said in the announcement.