A New Shot to Prevent Tick-Borne Illnesses
Official title: Developing a Potent Broad-Spectrum Prophylactic for Tickborne Disease
Funded at Planet Biotechnology, INC. · NIH-11140476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is creating a new yearly shot, called Fc3/SCR(19-20), to protect people from Lyme Disease and Relapsing Fever.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Planet Biotechnology, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hayward, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI179571-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is aimed at eventually benefiting anyone at risk of tick-borne diseases, including both healthy individuals and those with weakened immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already contracted Lyme Disease or Relapsing Fever would not directly benefit from this preventative treatment.
What this research studies
We are working on a new protein treatment, Fc3/SCR(19-20), that could be given as a yearly shot to prevent tick-borne illnesses like Lyme Disease and Relapsing Fever. Unlike traditional vaccines, this treatment works directly to stop the bacteria, meaning it should be effective for everyone, including those with weakened immune systems. Our initial work in mice shows that this shot can reduce the transmission of Lyme disease bacteria from infected ticks. The current focus is on improving the treatment so it lasts longer in the body, is safer, and can be given at a lower dose for season-long protection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this yearly shot could offer a new way to prevent Lyme Disease and Relapsing Fever for many people, including those who are immunocompromised.
How similar studies have gone: While this specific protein is new, the research team has experience with similar plant-produced proteins, including one previously tested in clinical trials.
Where this research is happening
-
Planet Biotechnology, INC.
Hayward, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wycoff, Keith — Planet Biotechnology, INC.
- Study coordinator: Wycoff, Keith
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Creating a new treatment to prevent tick-borne diseases
This study is testing a new protein treatment that could help prevent Lyme Disease and Relapsing Fever with just one injection a year, making it suitable for everyone, including those with weaker immune systems, and aims to make it safe and effective for the whole tick season.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.