NIH Awards $20.7M Grant to GLA-Funded Investigator and SAB Member Linden Hu for Chronic Lyme Disease Study

Dr. Hu headshot  from Tufts University School of Medicine 

A $20.7M NIH grant will support Dr. Linden Hu and his team at Tufts University as they investigate the causes of chronic Lyme disease symptoms and establish a biobank for future research advancements.

NEW YORK, NY September 20, 2024– The Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) is proud to announce that Dr. Linden Hu, M.D., a distinguished member of our Scientific Advisory Board and a renowned expert in Lyme disease research at Tufts University School of Medicine, has been awarded a $20.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This grant will fund one of the largest and most comprehensive studies ever conducted on the causes of persistent symptoms in Lyme disease patients.

This pivotal study, led by Dr. Hu, aims to enroll 1,000 participants over five years. Researchers from multiple centers will collaborate to uncover the root causes of chronic Lyme symptoms, providing critical insight into this debilitating condition and laying the groundwork for future therapeutic interventions. Other researchers leading this study are John Leong M.D., Ph.D. and Sam Telford, Sc.D. at Tufts, Robert Smith M.D. M.P.H. at the Maine Medical Center, John Branda, M.D. and Jacob Lemieux M.D., Ph.D. at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brandon Jutras, Ph.D. at Northwestern University.  A large biobank will also be established as part of the study, representing a significant leap forward for Lyme disease research. 

“This NIH grant is an absolute game-changer,” said Cara DeAngelis, Ph.D., GLA’s Director of Research. “Dr. Hu and his team will not only be investigating the mechanisms behind chronic Lyme disease but also creating a biobank that will fill a crucial gap in the research landscape. This study is a beacon of hope for those suffering from chronic Lyme disease, and it underscores the exceptional expertise of our Scientific Advisory Board.”

Dr. Hu expressed his gratitude for the NIH’s support, adding, “We are so grateful and excited that NIH is supporting this study to understand persistent symptoms in patients with Lyme disease. We think that doing a prospective study, enrolling people before we know how they will do, is so important in being able to identify potential causes. We hope that we will be able to learn things that we can then apply to people who are already suffering with symptoms.”

Robert Kobre, GLA Chairman Emeritus and co-head of GLA’s Research Advisory Committee, also commented on the significance of this funding: “Linden’s team has been instrumental in helping GLA analyze key therapies for chronic Lyme patients and evaluate tick-preventative strategies like nootkatone. He is a forward thinker, and we are confident his team at Tufts will use these NIH funds to unlock the mystery of chronic Lyme disease.”

This recognition from the NIH affirms GLA’s mission to support and fund innovative research that brings us closer to finding answers for Lyme disease patients. Dr. Hu’s work is a testament to the strength of GLA’s leadership and scientific network.

For more information about the study, please visit the official Tufts University press release here.

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. GLA has gained national prominence for funding some of the most urgent and promising research in the field, having awarded over $19 million to date through its research programs.  

GLA supports patients at every stage of their journey, from helping them find Lyme-literate physicians to connecting them with peer mentors and providing a wealth of information on its website. GLA also empowers volunteers through its ambassador program to raise awareness, create fundraising events, and advance GLA's mission. Learn more at GLA.org or follow us on social media.