Senator Collins Highlights Lyme Disease Efforts, Kay Hagan Tick Act at Roundtable

Joined Maine doctor and Lyme patient to discuss why more research is needed.

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Click HERE to watch and HERE to download video of Senator Collins' remarks at the event.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins participated in a roundtable discussion at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Lyme disease research and innovation. The roundtable included public health officials, researchers, and patient advocates who discussed current gaps in Lyme disease research, the need for improved diagnostics, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration across federal agencies. Dr. Kristen Honey of Long Island, Maine, a public health expert with firsthand experience of a Lyme disease diagnosis, also participated in the discussion.

Senator Collins highlighted her longstanding efforts to address tick-borne diseases. Earlier this year, she introduced the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, which supports coordinated research, prevention, and education efforts across HHS and other agencies. Senator Collins discussed how resources from the original Kay Hagan Tick Act (KHTA), which was signed into law in 2019, have led to exciting developments such as the first-ever clinical trial for a Lyme disease vaccine for humans, which is underway at the MaineHealth Institute for Research. In addition to her work on the KHTA, Senator Collins has secured millions in funding for tick-borne disease research at the University of Maine Tick Lab.

"Maine reached a new Lyme disease record last year with 3,218 reported cases. The projections are that this year's total will be even greater. I commend HHS for hosting this conversation," said Senator Collins. "We need a comprehensive approach to finding next generation diagnostics and treatment for Lyme disease. As the author of the Kay Hagan Tick Act, which supports coordinated research, prevention, and education efforts across HHS and other agencies, I will continue to support and highlight this critical work, much of which is happening in the State of Maine."

As part of today's event, HHS also announced the revival of the LymeX Innovation Accelerator (LymeX) with the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. LymeX is the largest public-private partnership ever built to improve Lyme disease diagnostics and care. The $10 million initiative will advance artificial intelligence tools that support earlier and more accurate detection across stages of infection. Senator Collins advanced $5 million in federal funding for LymeX as part of the FY26 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services Bill.

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