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Rabat – Researchers have called for volunteers to participate in third-phase tests of the first potential vaccine for Lyme disease in 20 years.
Pfizer is working on the new vaccine along with French biotech firm Valneva, aiming to develop a vaccine suitable for both adults and children as young as five, to protect from the most common Lyme strains.
Lyme cases have been rising as warmer climates have helped ticks, the most prominent carriers of the disease, expand their habitats and spread it faster.
The only available vaccine for humans was removed from the US market in 2002 due to low demand, with people relying instead on bug sprays to keep ticks away and checking for their presence.
Phase 2 studies demonstrated strong immunity in both adults and children from the vaccine, with “acceptable safety profiles” in both populations. A press release by Pfizer said the company could submit an application for the vaccine to be approved in 2025, pending successful phase 3 results.
“With increasing global rates of Lyme disease, providing a new option for people to help protect themselves from the disease is more important than ever,” said Annaliesa Anderson, Pfizer’s head of vaccine research & development.
Infection with Lyme disease initially causes fatigue, fevers, and a rash. If left untreated, the disease can cause severe arthritis and damage to the heart and the nervous system.
In some cases, the damage can remain with the infected person even after treatment.
Volunteers will receive 3 doses of the vaccine, as well as a placebo between now and the next spring’s tick season, with an additional booster dose a year later, making it a seasonal vaccine to raise antibody levels when ticks are most active.
Pfizer said it is especially seeking high risk volunteers who spend a lot of time in tick-infested areas, such as campers and hikers.
