Creating a new treatment to prevent tick-borne diseases
Official title: Developing a Potent Broad-Spectrum Prophylactic for Tickborne Disease
Funded at Planet Biotechnology, INC. · NIH-10925734 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R41AI179571-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925734 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of tick-borne diseases, including those living in endemic areas or those who frequently engage in outdoor activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already infected with Lyme Disease or Relapsing Fever may not benefit from this preventative treatment.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel protein treatment called Fc3/SCR(19-20) that will be administered as an annual injection to prevent Lyme Disease and Relapsing Fever. Unlike traditional vaccines, this treatment does not rely on stimulating the immune system, making it potentially effective for both healthy individuals and those with compromised immune systems. The research aims to enhance the protein's bioavailability, safety, and longevity to ensure effective protection throughout the tick season. The project involves collaboration between two research groups to optimize the production and testing of this innovative treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a reliable and accessible method for preventing tick-borne diseases in a wide range of patients.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative and not widely tested, previous research has shown promise in developing plant-produced proteins for medical use.
Where this research is happening
-
Planet Biotechnology, INC.
Hayward, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wycoff, Keith — Planet Biotechnology, INC.
- Study coordinator: Wycoff, Keith
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.