Neil created a path forward for the discovery work on Bartonella and Borrelia infections.
Dr. Spector contributed to emerging research
The results were magical. Not only did Neil listen to our story about the clinical importance of Bartonella, but he dove into the emerging research with us, and then he acted by launching a research collaboration with our NCSU research partners to investigate the potential mechanisms of Bartonella oncogenesis in breast cancer cell lines and to develop immunotherapy treatments for borrelioses and bartonelloses. Neil saw the possibilities in the picture we painted for him… (2)
Although Spector’s decades-long battle with Lyme disease profoundly affected his life, it failed to hinder his spirit. In 2009, he received a life-saving heart transplant which allowed him to continue his groundbreaking research until he passed away on June 14, 2020. For this, we owe Spector and his heart donor both a huge debt of gratitude.
In [one video] Dr. Spector talks about his Lyme disease journey at a TEDx event on April 16, 2016.
Spector said one of the treatments they are experimenting with against Borrelia is looking very promising in the laboratory. It is a two-part strategy used to bring oxygen into the bacteria. Borrelia hates oxygen. This is why you typically find Borrelia living in low oxygen states—in cartilage for example.
One drug is used to selectively attach to Borrelia protein (HTPG), but avoid normal human tissue and other healthy bacteria. The other drug (Verteporfin) is a fluorescent marker which is activated by red light that then releases radical oxygen species.
Verteporfin is an FDA-approved injectable drug that is used to treat vascular diseases of the retina–like macular degeneration, myopia, and fungal infections.
A unique feature of this approach is these two medications together appear to target all species and strains of Borrelia, not just the species responsible for Lyme disease on the East Coast.
What’s not yet known is how the two medications would affect parts of the body that are infected with Borrelia. However, studies of this drug combination are being conducted in mice, so perhaps we’ll know more soon.
Another encouraging bit of research Neil touched on is a Borrelia-scanning technique that uses markers, similar to a process that visualizes different types of cancer in the body. (3)
**I never met Neil. Many people who did said I would have loved him. They are assuredly right. He simply wanted to "destroy suffering," and that is the summary of my life.
1. Spector20BTS20DraftNSv220edits-3.pdf. Accessed August 2, 2026.
2. Lymedisease.org. Quotes from Galaxy Diagnostic staff. Accessed August 2, 2026.
3. All content below note 2 to the end: Dr. Neil Spector researched New Treatment Options for Lyme & Bartonella.Accessed August 2, 2026.