Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Caucus, introduced legislation to codify the LymeX Accelerator Program (LymeX), a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, which funds prize competitions to advance innovation in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease.

             “Over the past four years, LymeX has been a beacon of hope for the millions of Lyme patients throughout the United States—including and especially in my home state of New Jersey—by engaging a variety of private and public sector stakeholders to advance Lyme disease diagnostics and treatments, ultimately in an effort to find a lasting cure,” said Smith, who has previously secured millions of dollars in federal funding for the continuation of the program.

             “It is well past time that Congress codify this vital program, which has already made incredible headway in Lyme disease therapeutics and diagnostic criteria,” continued Smith.

             Specifically, the LymeX Authorization Act (HR 7482), which is co-led by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), allocates $5 million to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out prize competitions to incentivize Lyme disease research.

             Since its establishment in 2018, LymeX has played a critical role in advancing federal research for patient-centered Lyme treatments and diagnostics. In January of last year, the program completed its third phase, which saw six teams plan and present their clinical performance studies and publicize their diagnostic tests. A total of five winning teams received a share of the total Phase 3 award of $2.1 million.

             In March, Lyme X commenced its fourth phase, wherein teams will submit summary papers on their study results and commercialization plans. Phase 4 winners can expect to receive a share of the corresponding $3 million dedicated to this stage.

             Smith’s bill comes on the heels of the HHS’ Lyme Disease Roundtable, which took place on December 15, 2025. At the Roundtable—where Smith served as a key panelist—Secretary Kennedy announced the $10 million renewal of the LymeX program, made possible through the partnership of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation.

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