mRNA Vaccines for Lyme Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests two new mRNA vaccines to determine their safety and effectiveness in helping the body combat Lyme disease, which spreads through tick bites. Participants will receive either one of the two vaccines or a placebo (a shot with no active ingredients) to compare results. The study seeks healthy adults who have not been vaccinated for Lyme disease and have not had the disease recently. Those who have not had a tick bite in the last month and are in good health might be suitable for this study. As a Phase 1, Phase 2 trial, this research aims to understand how the treatment works in people and measure its effectiveness in an initial group, offering participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking Lyme disease prevention efforts.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on systemic immunosuppressants or certain immune therapies, you may need to stop them before joining the study.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that the mRNA-1975 vaccine is generally safe. Earlier studies found it mostly caused mild to moderate side effects, which did not last long. Most children in these studies developed protective antibodies, proteins that help fight infections, after receiving the vaccine.
The mRNA-1982 vaccine has also undergone safety studies. It is similar to the mRNA vaccines used for COVID-19, which have been administered to many people. This background suggests it is likely safe, although specific details about side effects for mRNA-1982 are not provided in the sources.
Since these vaccines are in early-stage trials, researchers continue to closely monitor them for safety. Participants should know that understanding of side effects is still growing, but early results appear promising.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about mRNA-1975 and mRNA-1982 vaccines for Lyme disease because they use cutting-edge mRNA technology, which is different from the traditional antibiotic treatments and tick prevention methods currently available. Unlike existing options, these vaccines aim to prevent Lyme disease by teaching the immune system to recognize and fight the bacteria before infection takes hold. This innovative approach could offer a proactive solution, potentially reducing the incidence of Lyme disease rather than just treating it after infection has occurred.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for Lyme disease?
Research has shown that mRNA vaccines, such as mRNA-1975 and mRNA-1982, are promising in creating strong defenses against infections. In this trial, participants will receive either the mRNA-1975 or mRNA-1982 vaccine, or a placebo. These vaccines help the body learn to recognize and fight Lyme disease bacteria. Early studies suggest that mRNA vaccines can effectively trigger immune responses, potentially preventing Lyme disease. The mRNA-1975 vaccine targets multiple strains, offering broad protection. In contrast, mRNA-1982 focuses on a single strain, which might still be effective due to its specific approach. While more information is needed, these vaccines use the same mRNA technology as the successful COVID-19 vaccines, indicating potential effectiveness.13567
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults aged 18-70 with a BMI of 18-39 kg/m2 can join this Lyme disease vaccine trial. Women must not be pregnant, use reliable contraception, or abstain from pregnancy-causing activities. Excluded are those who've had recent immunosuppressants, immune therapies, Lyme treatment/vaccination, tick bites within 4 weeks, skin conditions affecting assessments, or severe vaccine reactions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 3 intramuscular injections of either mRNA-1975 or mRNA-1982 vaccine or placebo on Days 1, 57, and 169
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and immunogenicity after the final dose
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- mRNA-1975
- mRNA-1982
- Placebo
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
ModernaTX, Inc.
Lead Sponsor
Dr. Stephen Hoge
ModernaTX, Inc.
Chief Medical Officer
MD from Harvard Medical School
Stéphane Bancel
ModernaTX, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer since 2011
MBA from Harvard Business School, MSc in Engineering from École Centrale Paris