Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Phage-Mediated Genetic Manipulation of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi
09:01

Phage-Mediated Genetic Manipulation of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi

Published on: September 28, 2022

A deformylase inhibitor expands therapeutic options for Lyme disease

Kim Lewis1, Pankaj Patil2, Hsin-Wen Liang2

  • 1Northeastern University.

Research Square
|May 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A new drug, forazemin, shows potent activity against Lyme disease bacteria. It effectively treats Lyme borreliosis and neuroborreliosis in mice while preserving gut microbiome health, offering a promising alternative to current treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lyme disease incidence is increasing globally, posing a significant public health challenge.
  • Current treatments like doxycycline and ceftriaxone have limitations, including gut microbiome disruption, resistance development, and suboptimal efficacy against neuroborreliosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate forazemin (BB-83698), a novel peptide deformylase inhibitor, as a potential treatment for Lyme disease.
  • To assess forazemin's efficacy and safety in preclinical models of Lyme borreliosis and neuroborreliosis.

Main Methods:

  • Forazemin's bactericidal activity against diverse Borrelia species was tested.
  • Efficacy was evaluated in murine models of Lyme borreliosis and neuroborreliosis, including tick-bite prophylaxis.
  • Impact on gut microbiome diversity and beneficial symbionts was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Forazemin demonstrated potent and selective bactericidal activity against Borrelia spirochaetes by inhibiting protein synthesis.
  • Oral forazemin cleared infection in murine models of Lyme borreliosis and neuroborreliosis with short dosing regimens.
  • Forazemin outperformed doxycycline in tick-bite prophylaxis and preserved gut microbiome diversity.

Conclusions:

  • Forazemin is a promising orally bioavailable drug candidate for treating and preventing Lyme disease.
  • Its targeted mechanism and favorable microbiome profile offer advantages over existing therapies.
  • Further development of forazemin is warranted for Lyme disease management.

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