The University of Kansas, in collaboration with Design-Zyme, a Lawrence-based biotech firm, have obtained a $3 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to help develop a new vaccine for Lyme disease. With more than 63,000 reported cases in 2022 and no approved vaccine available since 2002, this partnership capitalizes on KU’s research and Design-Zyme’s industry knowledge to benefit thousands.
Peter Petillo, the founder and CEO of Design-Zyme, and P. Scott Hefty, professor of molecular biosciences and director of the National Institutes of Health-funded Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Chemical Biology of Infectious Disease at the University of Kansas, are collaborating on the project.
“[The partnership] allows us to tap into expertise that we don’t have and allows us to move forward an asset like this Lyme disease vaccine in a way that would not be possible in the absence of collaboration,” Petillo said. “These strategic partnerships — in this case, with Scott and his colleagues — have been incredibly fruitful for us.”
This project provides an opportunity to support collaborative, groundbreaking research that could alter the treatment of tick-borne diseases, addressing an urgent public health issue. KU Research addresses problems of worldwide significance, delivers solutions that make a difference to Kansas, the region and the world. Raise the chorus for KU Research — contact Michael Arp (785 832-7410) to learn more about making an impact.
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