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Mark Klempner, MD, sat down with Boston 25 News to discuss Lyme prevention research. |
Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that tick-borne diseases are on the rise have drawn attention to research underway at UMass Medical School to develop a seasonal shot to protect people from getting Lyme disease.
Mark Klempner, MD, executive vice chancellor for MassBiologics of UMass Medical School and professor of medicine, sat down with reporter Jim Morelli of Boston 25 News to discuss the research.
“The shot being developed at UMass is not a vaccination. It is, instead, an antibody to the disease that would be administered annually, much like a flu shot,” Morelli reported.
Dr. Klempner explained that researchers at MassBiologics have identified a specific human monoclonal antibody that defends against Lyme disease. Unlike a vaccine, Lyme PrEP, a pre-exposure prophylaxis, uses a protein that specifically targets and blocks the Lyme-causing bacteria in the tick after it bites an inoculated host.
"We would propose to get it injected in people sometime in March or April and it would last through the entire tick season to prevent you from getting Lyme disease,” Klempner told Boston 25.
Watch the full story here: https://www.fox25boston.com/news/preventing-lyme-disease-with-a-shot-umass-researchers-are-working-on-it/753993896
Related stories on UMassMedNow:
UMMS infectious disease expert presents promising Lyme disease prevention research at State House
WBZ-TV: UMMS researchers developing preventive treatment for Lyme disease
Klempner explains Lyme disease risk in Boston Magazine
MassBiologics at UMMS developing pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease
WGBH-TV’s Greater Boston: Klempner discusses promising research into a seasonal prevention for Lyme
