Pfizer and Valneva Report Positive Results for Lyme Vaccine

In a significant breakthrough for the life sciences industry, Pfizer and Valneva have announced encouraging results for their Lyme disease vaccine candidates. The phase 2 trials demonstrated strong immune responses and a robust safety profile across various age groups, marking a pivotal step towards addressing the unmet medical need for a Lyme disease vaccine.

Currently, there are no approved human vaccines to combat the bacterial infection, transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The disease is prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere and can cause severe complications if left untreated. The phase 2 trial by Pfizer and Valneva involved randomizing healthy participants to receive either the vaccine candidate or a placebo, followed by booster doses at 18 and 30 months. The trial showcased significant antibody responses in children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, with no safety concerns observed to date.

The and Head of Vaccine R&D at Pfizer, emphasized the importance of preventive measures against Lyme disease, noting that the vaccine candidate could potentially reduce the burden of the disease’s acute and persistent impacts. The vaccine is now undergoing phase 3 trials, targeting those aged five and older in indigenous regions of the US and Europe.

With plans to submit applications for regulatory approval to the FDA and the EMA by 2026, pending positive phase 3 results, Pfizer and Valneva are one step closer to providing a much-needed vaccine for Lyme disease. This development promises to bring hope to millions at risk of the disease and marks a critical advancement in infectious disease prevention.