Kenox and Lactiga Collaborate on Mucosal Immunotherapy

PRINCETON, N.J., March 10, 2025 – Kenox Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Lactiga US, Inc. have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at developing innovative therapies targeting mucosal immunity for patients with immunodeficiencies. This partnership is bolstered by a generous multi-million-dollar STTR grant awarded to Lactiga by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Kenox Pharmaceuticals, known for its expertise in developing nasal and inhaled pharmaceuticals, will join forces with Lactiga to expedite the preclinical development of novel treatments aimed at enhancing mucosal immune responses in individuals with compromised immune health. The collaboration will focus on advancing Lactiga's proprietary sIgA platform technology, simultaneously broadening Kenox’s proficiency in delivering biologics via inhalation and intranasal routes.

Sitaram Velaga, President and CEO of Kenox Pharmaceuticals, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "We are excited to collaborate with Lactiga in creating potentially transformative therapies," he said. "This collaboration, coupled with the prestigious NIH grant, highlights the significant potential of our groundbreaking approach to meet the overlooked needs of immunodeficient patients."

Rikin Mehta, CEO and Cofounder of Lactiga, emphasized the urgency and importance of developing nasal sIgA sprays to prevent recurrent respiratory infections in vulnerable individuals, which poses a substantial financial burden on the healthcare system. "By partnering with Kenox, we are taking crucial steps to bring a pioneering intranasal sIgA therapy to fruition," Mehta stated.

This collaboration signifies a substantial advancement in nasal immunotherapy development, offering promising prospects for individuals with weakened immune systems. The novel therapies being developed are anticipated to have a transformative impact, addressing significant medical challenges faced by immunodeficient patients.

Kenox Pharmaceuticals Inc., established in 2018 and located in the Princeton area, NJ, is a prominent player in pharmaceutical aerosol product development. They specialize in a range of delivery systems, including soft mist inhalers (SMIs), pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), nebulizers, nasal sprays, and ophthalmic products tailored for both small and biologic molecules. As a contract development organization, Kenox boasts extensive expertise in formulation design, compounding, fill-finish, and testing, adhering to compendial monographs.

Lactiga US, Inc. is a biotechnology firm focused on developing cutting-edge mucosal antibodies from human breastmilk. Their secretory IgA (sIgA)-based therapeutics are designed to enhance the health of vulnerable populations, utilizing proprietary technologies to create targeted treatments for infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Through this strategic alliance, Kenox Pharmaceuticals and Lactiga US, Inc. aim to push the boundaries of nasal immunotherapy development, potentially altering the landscape of treatment options for immunodeficient patients. This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in the field, with both companies committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with compromised immune systems.