London man among thousands who’ve rolled up their sleeves to trial Lyme disease vaccine
As a landscaper working outdoors in the summer, Maxwell Dick faces a higher risk of being bitten by a tick and developing a tick-borne disease. The most common of these diseases is Lyme disease, which has seen a significant increase in case rates over the past decade. Despite the potential long-term symptoms that can result from Lyme disease, such as chronic fatigue, body aches, and cognition issues, there is currently no preventable vaccine available.
Recognizing the need for a solution, Maxwell Dick, a London resident and horticulture instructor at Fanshawe College, decided to participate in a clinical study for a new Lyme disease vaccine. The vaccine, VLA15, developed by Pfizer and Valneva, began its Stage 3 trials in late 2023 with over 9,000 participants from areas where the disease is endemic. Dick signed up for the trial after seeing a form at his doctor’s office, which specifically targeted individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Half of the participants in the trial receive three doses of VLA15, while the other half receive a placebo, both within the first year, followed by a booster a year later. Dick is eagerly awaiting the results to find out what he was given. Pfizer and Valneva have reported that the vaccine has shown a favorable safety profile across all dose and age groups in all trials conducted so far.
If the vaccine is successful and goes to market, it would be the first Lyme disease vaccine in over 20 years. The previous vaccine, LYMErix, was pulled from the market in 2002 due to low sales revenue and a class-action lawsuit alleging adverse reactions. The new vaccine, VLA15, targets the same surface protein of the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, but with some differences in its mechanism of action.
Dr. George Chaconas of the University of Calgary explains that the vaccine works by developing antibodies to the surface protein of the bacteria, which are then transmitted to the tick when it takes a blood meal, killing the bacteria in the tick before it can be transmitted to humans. This mechanism provides a unique way of preventing Lyme disease transmission.
As cases of Lyme disease continue to rise in Canada, it is crucial to take precautions when outdoors in areas where ticks are present. Public health officials emphasize the importance of seeking medical attention if a tick has been attached for 24 hours or more. Increasing awareness, surveillance, and education about tick-borne diseases are essential in addressing the growing threat posed by these diseases.
Maxwell Dick’s participation in the clinical trial for the new Lyme disease vaccine highlights the importance of finding innovative solutions to prevent tick-borne diseases in individuals who are at a higher risk due to their outdoor work. With ongoing research and developments in this field, there is hope for a future where individuals like Maxwell Dick can protect themselves from the debilitating effects of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
