Cutting-Edge Research in the Fight Against Lyme Disease
National Non-Profit Funds Innovative Research
by Turn the Corner Foundation
Turn the Corner Foundation (TTC) has announced its 2008 grant recipients. These cutting-edge research projects will have a monumental impact in regard to treatment and diagnosis of Lyme disease. All grant recipients' research will support research, education, awareness and innovative treatments for Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, which is TTC's mission.
Under Our Skin
This film is the first feature-length documentary that reveals the untold story of Lyme disease. Under Our Skin investigates the shocking human, medical, and political dimensions of this disease. TTC has entered into this strategic partnership because this film has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people and it will further TTC's vision of education and awareness of the physical, emotional, and social effects of Lyme disease.
Cheryl Koopman, Ph.D.
Stanford University, of Stanford, CA
This research project will focus on treatment studies for various classes of Lyme patients. It is unique because it includes subjects who have a clinical diagnosis of Lyme disease but have tested negative using standard criteria. These types of patients are often excluded from Lyme disease research. This study will determine if these types of patients require treatment approaches different from today's conventions.
This research is critical because Lyme disease is notorious for false negatives, resulting in patients that are told they do not need treatment. In reality, these patients are sick and deserve a treatment approach tailored to their needs.
Eva Sapi, Ph.D.
University of New Haven in West Haven, CT
One study aims to identify whether or not deer ticks carry nematodes (microscopic worms) in order to develop more focused treatment for patients infected by tick bites. The second study explores Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial agent of Lyme disease, is capable of forming a complex covering called biofilm and if this biofilm increases its resistance to antibiotic treatment.
Alan MacDonald, M.D.
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown, NY
This study will explore if a Borrelia burgdorferi infection is the cause of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. It will also seek to discover the role of biofilms in Borrelia infections.
Raphael B. Stricker, M.D.
San Francisco, CA
This study focuses on reviewing the effectiveness of IV antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease. In studying various doses given at different intervals, doctors will be able to determine the best course of treatment for patients requiring antibiotics. This study is one of the first analyses of the safety and efficacy of true long-term IV antibiotic therapy for neurologic Lyme disease.
Lyme Literacy Programs for Doctors and Patients,
National
TTC also allocates funds for public relations efforts, support groups and educational conferences focused on Lyme disease, projects that increase awareness and further education of this devastating disease. TTC is proud to continue the Physicians Training Program, which provides medical practitioners the opportunity to study with a Lyme-literate health care professional. Through this experience, participants develop the skills necessary to properly diagnose and treat Lyme disease. The Lyme Educational Awareness Development Series (LEADS) was created by TTC to enable community members to host their own educational event on Lyme disease and raise money for a cause that has meaning to them.
Note: Several other grants are pending approval.
