LymeX Diagnostics Prize

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. An estimated 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year — but the true number of infections is unknown. Lyme disease symptoms vary from patient to patient, and early diagnosis is critical. Unlike many other infectious diseases, there are no reliable tests for directly detecting the presence of the uniquely complex Lyme-disease-causing bacteria. Despite the progress made in deepening our understanding of Lyme disease’s microbiological origins, there have been no major breakthroughs in Lyme disease diagnostics over the past 25 years. Current approaches can result in incorrect or missed diagnoses, particularly early in the acute stage when available treatments are most effective. As the geographic range of ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas that can transmit pathogens and cause disease expands within the United States, the need for diagnostic innovation will only become more urgent. The goal of the LymeX Diagnostics Prize is to develop diagnostics that can accurately detect active Lyme disease infections in people. The multiphase competition will nurture the development of innovative solutions toward Food and Drug Administration review.

Partner Organization: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation

Award: $1,000,000 in total prizes

Open Date: May 17, 2022

Close Date: August 8, 2022

For more information, visit: https://www.lymexdiagnosticsprize.com/