A biotechnology company called Valneva is developing an experimental vaccine for Lyme disease. Valneva has said that it is making progress in the vaccine development. A Phase I trial has recently been completed, and there are plans for a Phase II trial. The full article can be read here, at Globe Newswire.
About Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a Borrelia bacterial infection that can be spread to humans from ticks through tick bites. Approximately 300,000 people in the US are diagnosed with the condition annually. Most tick bites don’t result in Lyme disease. For the condition to be transferred through the bite, the tick must have first bitten an animal infected with the Borrelia bacteria.
The most distinctive symptom of Lyme disease is a circular red rash that looks like a bullseye. However, not everyone with Lyme disease develops this, and other possible symptoms include a high temperature, tiredness, headaches, and muscle and joint pain. In some cases of Lyme disease symptoms can persist despite treatment. This form is called chronic Lyme disease.
The Vaccine Candidate
Valneva is developing a possible vaccine called VLA15 to fight Lyme disease. It works by targeting the OspA protein in the Borrelia bacteria. This is designed to prompt the production of antibodies that can stop Borrelia from infecting humans. The vaccine is hoped to protect people against most species of Borrelia.
The development program for VLA15 has been granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. FDA.
Updates on the Vaccine’s Development
Pre-clinical and Phase 1 studies have already been carried out, and so far both have shown positive results. A Phase 2 study is planned as the next stage of development and is expected to take place by the end of this year.
