ILiAD Biotechnologies Partners with Emmes Group for Phase III Trials of BPZE1 Vaccine

iLiAD Biotechnologies, LLC, a biotech firm focused on combating Bordetella pertussis-related diseases, has announced its collaboration with Emmes Group, a global contract research and technology organization, to conduct Phase III trials of its leading pertussis vaccine candidate, BPZE1. The companies are in the process of finalizing their formal agreement.

The decision to partner with Emmes Group stems from its extensive experience in vaccine development and ability to manage complex clinical trials. Emmes Group’s subsidiary, VaxTrials, has a proven track record, having successfully supported iLiAD’s Phase II BPZE1 study. Additionally, Emmes Group’s Veridix AI unit will provide essential technological support to expedite and enhance the study execution.

Dr. Keith Rubin, CEO of iLiAD Biotechnologies, emphasized the strategic nature of the collaboration, noting that Emmes Group’s expertise in vaccines and the advanced capabilities of Veridix AI are crucial for the clinical development of BPZE1. Sastry Chilukuri, CEO of Emmes Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the potential impact of BPZE1 in reducing the incidence and spread of pertussis, particularly in at-risk populations.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a serious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that pertussis affects around 16 million people annually worldwide and causes approximately 200,000 deaths. Despite an estimated global vaccination coverage of 84%, current vaccines have not effectively controlled pertussis epidemics.

BPZE1 is designed to provide comprehensive and long-lasting protection against B. pertussis. It aims to prevent the bacterium from colonizing the nasal passages and to protect both adults and children from whooping cough, potentially stopping the transmission of the disease to infants. While the current focus is on protecting individuals directly, future development may include direct immunization of neonates. The vaccine was developed by Camille Locht, PhD, and Nathalie Mielcarek, PhD, at the Institut Pasteur de Lille in France.

iLiAD Biotechnologies is a private, clinical-stage company dedicated to preventing and treating diseases caused by Bordetella pertussis. The firm is committed to overcoming the limitations of existing vaccines by developing and validating new technologies in human clinical trials. iLiAD collaborates with leading scientists to explore the impact of B. pertussis across various human diseases.

Emmes Group, headquartered in the U.S., is a contract research organization owned by New Mountain Capital. It has a rich history of providing clinical research services, originally established over 47 years ago. Emmes Group has expanded its capabilities to include public-private partnerships and commercial biopharma. The organization is at the forefront of transforming clinical research, integrating cell and gene therapy, vaccines, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, rare diseases, and neuroscience. Emmes Group aims to accelerate medical discoveries through its innovative digital and AI-based solutions, making new treatments available to patients more efficiently.