Pertussis vaccination: Could an intranasal vaccine help curb the rising cases of whooping cough?

Presented by

Prof. Camille Locht , Pasteur Institute of Lille, France

Conference

ESCMID Vaccines 2025

Although the number of pertussis cases has been low since the introduction of vaccination, recent increases in incidence in Europe and globally highlight the need for improved vaccination strategies [1]. Prof. Camille Locht (Pasteur Institute of Lille, France) reviewed current data on the intranasal vaccine candidate for pertussis BPZE1 [2].

BPZE1 is a genetically inactivated live vaccine based on Bordetella pertussis. It was assessed in adults in a phase 2b randomised trial with 4 groups: BPZE1 vaccination followed by BPZE1 challenge; BPZE1 vaccination followed by placebo challenge; tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccination followed by BPZE1 challenge; and Tdap followed by placebo challenge. In this trial, the BPZE1-BPZE1 group induced similar pertussis-specific nasal secretory IgA levels compared with the BPZE1-placebo and Tdap-BPZE1 groups, demonstrating immunogenicity. Furthermore, colony-forming units were detected in only 10% of the BPZE1-BPZE1 group, whereas Tdap did not prevent colonisation after BPZE1 challenge [3].

BPZE1 was also evaluated in the CHAMPION-1 (NCT05461131) controlled human infection model, a phase 2b, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Here, 35% fewer adult participants receiving BPZE1 versus placebo had developed B. pertussis colonisation after controlled infection, with practically no BPZE1 participants showing a measurable bacterial burden [1,2]. BPZE1 is also under investigation in children aged 6-17 years (NCT05116241). Preliminary, as yet unpublished, results indicate that BPZE1 is immunogenic and does not interfere with serum responses to Tdap [1].

“BPZE1 is safe and immunogenic in human adults and children, inducing both systemic and mucosal immune responses,” concluded Prof. Locht. He added that “BPZE1 prevents infection by virulent B. pertussis in phase 2b trials, shows good safety in schoolchildren primed with acellular pertussis vaccines, and does not interfere with serum responses to Tdap antigens.”

Locht C, et al. EMBO Mol Med. 2025;17(4):594-598.

Locht C. Rising whooping cough: The importance of pertussis vaccination. 6th ESCMID Vaccines, 10–13 September 2025, Lisbon, Portugal.

Keech C, et al. Lancet. 2023;401(10379):843-855.

Medical Conferences

Pertussis vaccination: Could an intranasal vaccine help curb the rising cases of whooping cough?

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