A new test for detecting Lyme disease directly from blood samples.
Official title: Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP) program support for: Ultra-sensitive, direct-from-blood, molecular detection of Borrelia infections.
Funded at Helixbind, INC. · NIH-11064861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, super-sensitive test called RaPID/LD that can quickly and accurately find the Lyme disease bacteria in blood samples, helping people get the right treatment sooner and avoid serious health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Helixbind, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boxborough, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 2, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 5SB1AI183963-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064861 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are suspected of having Lyme disease, particularly those presenting with early symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with Lyme disease and are undergoing treatment may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an ultra-sensitive test called RaPID/LD for the direct detection of Borrelia, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, from blood samples. Currently, diagnosing early Lyme disease is challenging due to the limitations of existing laboratory tests, which often fail to identify active infections. The RaPID/LD test aims to provide a more accurate and timely diagnosis, potentially preventing severe complications associated with delayed treatment. By utilizing advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, this test could significantly improve the detection of Lyme disease in its early stages.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of Lyme disease, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in molecular diagnostics for various infections, the specific approach of ultra-sensitive detection of Borrelia from blood is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Helixbind, INC.
Boxborough, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singer, Alon — Helixbind, INC.
- Study coordinator: Singer, Alon
Related research
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Ultra-sensitive blood test to spot active Lyme disease infections
A new blood test called RaPID/LD aims to detect active Borrelia infections directly from blood, helping people with suspected Lyme disease get an early and accurate diagnosis.
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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.