Pfizer and Valneva report promising Phase 3 results for new Lyme vaccine
Pfizer and Valneva announced that their Lyme disease vaccine candidate showed over 70% efficacy in Phase 3 trials, while Moderna advances two other candidates in Phase 2.
Recent Phase 3 trial results for PF-07307405, a Lyme disease vaccine co-developed by Pfizer and Valneva, indicate efficacy exceeding 70% in individuals five years of age and older after four administrations. Pfizer's senior vice president and chief vaccines officer described the outcome as highly encouraging and signaled upcoming regulatory filings. The vaccine works by prompting the body to produce antibodies that are taken up by ticks during feeding, blocking transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi.
Meanwhile, Moderna is testing two mRNA vaccine candidates, mRNA-1975 and mRNA-1982, which are currently in Phase 2 trials. Infectious-disease specialist Isaac Bogoch cautioned that the four-dose schedule and potential cost could limit public uptake, and regulatory agencies may still request additional data before approval. The story follows the earlier withdrawal of the LYMErix vaccine in 2002 after adverse-event reports and declining sales, despite FDA findings of safety. Lyme disease cases in Canada have risen sharply, underscoring the demand for an effective human vaccine.
Why it matters
A safe, effective Lyme vaccine could curb a rapidly growing disease and reduce reliance on antibiotics.
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