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Revolution against Lyme disease: a new vaccine kills bacteria in ticks’ gut
The European Medicines Agency is evaluating VLA15, a Lyme disease vaccine developed by Pfizer and Valneva. It uses an unusual approach: antibodies produced by vaccination enter a tick as it feeds, bind to Borrelia bacteria in its gut and prevent them reaching the person’s bloodstream.
The application is based on a phase 3 trial of more than 9,400 people aged over five in areas where Lyme disease is common. The vaccine reduced confirmed cases by more than 70%, reaching 74.8% with booster doses; the four-dose schedule spans about a year. The EMA’s review typically takes around 12 months, and experts say vaccination may be most relevant for people with high tick exposure.
In short
- EMA is reviewing Pfizer and Valneva’s Lyme disease vaccine.
- Trial results showed efficacy above 70%.
- Its antibodies target bacteria inside feeding ticks.
Explained simply
Lyme disease is an infection caused by Borrelia bacteria, which can pass to people through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks feed on blood, and the bacteria live in their gut before they can reach a person.
VLA15 is a vaccine developed by Pfizer and Valneva. It prompts the body to make antibodies that can enter a tick as it feeds and act against the bacteria there, before they reach the bloodstream.
The European Medicines Agency assesses medicines and vaccines for use in the European Union. Preventing Lyme disease could matter especially to people who are often exposed to ticks, such as those who work or spend time outdoors in areas where the infection is common.