A new treatment for Lyme arthritis
Official title: A novel therapeutic for Lyme arthritis based on a secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor
Funded at L2 Diagnostics, LLC · NIH-11134674 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research is exploring a new type of medicine to help people who continue to experience joint pain and other symptoms after being treated for Lyme disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | L2 Diagnostics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $299,933 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI186833-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134674 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals experiencing ongoing joint pain, swelling, or other chronic symptoms related to Lyme disease, even after receiving standard antibiotic therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose Lyme disease symptoms fully resolve with initial antibiotic treatment may not need or benefit from this specific therapeutic.
What this research studies
Lyme disease, caused by tick bites, can sometimes lead to long-lasting joint pain and swelling, known as Lyme arthritis, even after antibiotic treatment. For some, symptoms like fatigue and muscle aches can persist for months or years, a condition called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). Current long-term antibiotics haven't been effective for these persistent issues. This project is developing a new therapeutic agent, based on a natural human protein, that aims to specifically target the bacteria causing Lyme disease and reduce inflammation. We hope this new approach can offer relief for those struggling with ongoing Lyme symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new treatment could provide relief for persistent Lyme arthritis and other long-term symptoms that don't respond to current antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: This approach, using a specific human protein to target the Lyme bacteria, appears to be a novel strategy for persistent Lyme symptoms.
Where this research is happening
-
L2 Diagnostics, LLC
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fikrig, Erol — L2 Diagnostics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Fikrig, Erol
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut microbes and methotrexate: boosting RA treatment through microbiome targets
Researchers are studying how gut bacteria affect how well methotrexate works for people with rheumatoid arthritis, aiming to make MTX effective for more patients.
-
Understanding how immune checkpoint drugs can trigger inflammatory arthritis in cancer patients
This research looks at why some cancer patients develop inflammatory arthritis after PD-1 inhibitor therapy and what could be done to prevent it.
-
Hybrid biomaterial system to boost immunotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis
A new, patient-facing immunotherapy approach uses specialized particles to retrain the immune system to calm RA in adults.
-
Dose guide for physical activity to improve arthritis symptoms
A study from the University of South Carolina will look at how different amounts of weekly physical activity affect arthritis symptoms and quality of life in adults with arthritis.
-
Collaborating Center for Arthritis Care Tools and a Coordinating Center for an Arthritis Management & Wellbeing Network
A coordinated NIH program aims to improve how primary care providers refer people with arthritis to evidence-based, self-management programs and to boost participation, especially among groups facing disparities.
-
Arthritis prevention program to help adults with OA in mountain west communities
A program to help adults with osteoarthritis in the Mountain West connect with physical activity counseling and community activities to reduce activity limitations.
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.