hVIVO is once again demonstrating leadership in advanced vaccine research, with Director of Clinical Science Brandon Londt outlining a significant Letter of Intent signed with ILiAD Biotechnologies. This LOI paves the way for a pivotal Phase 3 human challenge trial aimed at evaluating BPZE1, ILiAD’s promising vaccine candidate for whooping cough (pertussis). This trial not only underscores hVIVO’s expertise in conducting controlled human infection models but also signals a major step towards the global fight against whooping cough, a disease of renewed public health concern.
The partnership between hVIVO and ILiAD Biotechnologies highlights the collaborative innovation necessary to advance novel vaccine candidates through the critical stages of development. BPZE1 is distinct in its approach, representing the only live attenuated intranasal pertussis vaccine candidate currently advancing into late-stage trials. This candidate has already demonstrated encouraging safety and immunogenicity data in earlier phases, boosting investor confidence and highlighting the potential market opportunity. The forthcoming Phase 3 trial will be essential to confirming the vaccine’s efficacy and establishing its regulatory pathway towards commercialisation.
hVIVO’s unique expertise in human challenge trials positions it ideally to support ILiAD Biotechnologies’ ambitions for BPZE1. Human challenge studies, involving deliberate exposure of healthy volunteers to pathogens under carefully controlled conditions, provide robust and rapid results compared to traditional field trials. Londt emphasises that hVIVO’s capabilities in designing and executing these intricate trials ensure stringent safety measures and reliable outcomes, significantly de-risking the vaccine development process for stakeholders.
Investors and industry observers are closely watching this trial as it could revolutionise how pertussis vaccines are developed and delivered globally. The potential commercial success of BPZE1 could open considerable market opportunities, especially as traditional vaccines continue to face limitations in efficacy and duration of protection.
hVIVO continues to cement its role as a leading contract research organisation (CRO), specialising in controlled human infection models. Its collaboration with ILiAD Biotechnologies further solidifies its commitment to addressing significant global health challenges through cutting-edge clinical research and innovation.
hVIVO plc (formerly Open Orphan plc), led by Cathal Friel, is a rapidly growing specialist contract research organisation (CRO) and the world leader in testing infectious and respiratory disease vaccines and antivirals using human challenge clinical trials, providing end-to-end early clinical development services for its broad and long-standing client base of biopharma companies.
