A shot to prevent Lyme disease is a step closer to becoming reality, as phase one of its clinical trial is complete.

The shot, developed by MassBiologics of UMass Chan Medical School, delivers a monoclonal antibody to provide immediate immunity against the disease. Dr. Mark Klempner said the shot, called “Lyme prep” is not a vaccine. It kills bacteria in the tick’s gut before it travels to the person.

More than 40 volunteers participated in the trial. Klempner said for volunteers who received the shot, the antibody could be detected the next day and stayed in the body for a minimum of 180 days, which is typically the duration when people are at greatest risk of getting Lyme disease.

"This combination of a safe and properly durationed medicine gave us great encouragement to move forward with the idea of a so-called ‘registration trial’ that would seek to show efficacy in a field trial of ‘Lyme prep,’ Klempner said. “And so that's where we are right now."

Klempner said they're now reaching out to potential partners for the next phase of the trial.cHe said if they're able to begin the next phase this year, the shot could be commercialized by 2025.