As Lyme disease incidence continues to rise globally, major gaps remain in pediatric understanding, diagnostic accuracy, chronic symptom management, and treatment innovation. GLA’s 2026 research portfolio directly targets these unmet needs, supporting pioneering investigators whose work has the potential to reshape how Lyme disease is understood, diagnosed, and treated.
“These newly funded projects address some of the most critical and overlooked challenges in Lyme disease, from pediatric impact and chronic symptoms to next-generation diagnostics and precision therapies. By investing in rigorous, forward-looking science, we are strengthening the foundation needed for accelerating progress towards meaningful advances in the field."
- Armin Alaedini, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer
Understanding the Impact of Lyme Disease on Children
Led by Dr. Laura Prichett at Johns Hopkins University, this national study will examine how Lyme disease is associated with mental and behavioral health symptoms in children on a large, population scale. By generating the first comprehensive dataset of its kind, the project is designed to provide evidence to better inform future identification and care strategies for clinicians and families.
Pioneering a New Model for Chronic Manifestations of Lyme Disease
Led by Dr. Isaac Chiu and Dr. Jun Huh at Harvard Medical School, this highly innovative project investigates how Lyme bacteria may trigger lasting nerve damage and chronic pain by mapping interactions between the immune and nervous systems. The team aims to establish the first rigorously characterized animal model dedicated to persistent Lyme symptoms, opening the door to new treatment targets and accelerating the development of future therapies.
The Gut-Brain Connection in Lyme
Dr. Ilhem Messaoudi at the University of Kentucky is exploring how Lyme infection and commonly used antibiotics may disrupt the gut microbiome and weaken the intestinal barrier, potentially driving inflammation throughout the body. The findings could pave the way for developing microbiome-based diagnostics and innovative therapies that restore balance and improve recovery.
Toward a Novel Urine Test for Lyme Disease
Advancing prior work supported in part by GLA, Dr. Brandon Jutras of Northwestern University, in collaboration with Dr. Lise Nigrovic at Boston Children’s Hospital, is developing a simple point-of-care test to distinguish active Lyme infection from prior infection. This breakthrough tool could enable faster, more accurate treatment decisions, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, and bring clarity to families and clinicians.
Turning Viruses into Precision Therapy
At the University of Kentucky, Dr. Brian Stevenson is engineering bacteriophages, naturally occurring viruses that infect bacteria, to selectively target and destroy Lyme bacteria without harming beneficial microbes. If successful, this work could launch a new generation of highly targeted, antibiotic-free treatments for Lyme and potentially other bacterial diseases.
Identifying the Genetic Drivers of Disease Severity
Dr. Rafal Tokarz at Columbia University is using advanced genetic sequencing technology to identify which strains of Lyme bacteria are most likely to cause severe or widespread illness. His research could enable precision diagnostics, earlier risk detection, and more personalized treatment strategies for patients in the future.
In the coming months, GLA will feature each project, offering deeper insight into the science, the investigators behind the work, and the progress driving meaningful advances in Lyme disease research.
GLA’s research grants are rigorously evaluated by its Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of leading researchers and clinicians specializing in Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, ensuring that the most promising proposals with the greatest potential impact receive funding.
As Lyme disease continues to expand geographically and result in hundreds of thousands of new cases each year, GLA remains at the forefront of advancing research, driving innovation, and elevating patient voices to confront this growing public health challenge.
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About Global Lyme Alliance:
Global Lyme Alliance’s mission is to cure Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through innovative research, awareness, and by empowering the patient voice. As the leading nonprofit fighting Lyme and tick-borne illnesses, GLA accelerates scientific discovery, drives public awareness, and provides vital resources and support to patients and families worldwide.
If you’d like to support GLA's groundbreaking research, you can DONATE HERE.
If you have questions about supporting GLA, you can reach out to GLA’s Director of Development, Steve Pekock at Steve.Pekock@GLA.org.
