hVIVO signs LOI to conduct pivotal whooping cough study
By Josh White
Date: Monday 27 Jan 2025
(Sharecast News) - hVIVO announced on Monday that it has signed a letter of intent with ILiAD Biotechnologies to conduct a pivotal phase three human challenge trial for ILiAD's lead whooping cough vaccine candidate, BPZE1.
The AIM-traded firm said it would be the world's first phase three human challenge study for Bordetella pertussis, marking a significant milestone in vaccine development.
It said the trial was expected to begin in the second half of 2025, and would be the largest human challenge trial undertaken by hVIVO to date.
The study was aimed to address challenges associated with traditional phase three field trials for whooping cough, which are complicated by the unpredictable nature of Bordetella pertussis outbreaks.
It said the human challenge model offered a controlled environment to evaluate BPZE1's efficacy in preventing infection and disease.
The vaccine candidate was designed to provide comprehensive and durable protection by blocking bacterial colonisation in the nasal passages and reducing transmission, with the potential to protect both adults and vulnerable infants.
Whooping cough remains a significant global health concern, with cases rising sharply in recent years.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported cases increased sixfold in 2024 compared to the prior year.
Despite an estimated global vaccination coverage of 84%, current vaccines had struggled to control outbreaks, leading to ongoing public health risks.
In 2008, Bordetella pertussis affected around 16 million people globally and caused nearly 200,000 deaths.
ILiAD, a late-stage biotech company, had raised over $100m to support the development of BPZE1.
While the current focus was on immunising adults and children to prevent transmission to infants, future development plans included the direct immunisation of neonates.
hVIVO said the companies were working to finalise a definitive agreement, with further updates expected in due course.
"We are pleased to have been selected by ILiAD to conduct the world's first phase three human challenge trial for a leading whooping cough vaccine candidate," said chief executive officer Yamin 'Mo' Khan.
"At hVIVO we have a long history of successfully conducting human challenge trials for our clients, which has supported our clients to bring life saving medicine and vaccines to the global population.
"Conducting this large-scale phase three human challenge trial offers the potential to bring this leading vaccine to patients faster than would otherwise be possible."
At 1209 GMT, shares in hVIVO were up 8.32% at 21.23p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Email this article to a friend
or share it with one of these popular networks:
You are here: news
10 Lower Thames St,
London EC3R 6EN