ILiAD Biotechnologies

ILiAD Biotechnologies is a clinical-stage biotechnology company, founded in 2012 by Dr. Keith Rubin, focused on addressing diseases caused by *Bordetella pertussis*, commonly known as whooping cough. Dr. Rubin, who serves as the company's CEO, has a background in internal medicine, with a focus on HIV and AIDS, and has previously founded Seedlings Life Science Ventures, a medical technology company. His experience in clinical practice and medical product development informs ILiAD's mission.

The company's core business revolves around the development of its lead vaccine candidate, BPZE1, a next-generation intranasal vaccine for pertussis. The technology for BPZE1 was originally developed at the Institut Pasteur de Lille in France by Camille Locht and Nathalie Mielcarek, and ILiAD holds the exclusive global rights. ILiAD's business model is centered on advancing BPZE1 through rigorous clinical trials to gain regulatory approval and eventual commercialization. The company's operations are financed through private funding, having raised over $100 million from investors like Knott Partners.

BPZE1 is a live-attenuated vaccine administered through the nose, designed to induce comprehensive and durable immunity against *B. pertussis*. A key differentiator from current vaccines is its aim to prevent nasopharyngeal colonization, thereby blocking the transmission of the bacteria, particularly to vulnerable infants. Current vaccines have limitations in durability and do not effectively stop the spread of the bacteria from colonized individuals who may not show symptoms. BPZE1 stimulates both mucosal immunity in the nasal passages and systemic immunity throughout the body. Clinical trials have shown promising results; the vaccine has demonstrated a strong safety profile and has been effective in preventing colonization in human challenge studies. Following successful Phase 2b trials, ILiAD is preparing for pivotal Phase 3 trials, a significant milestone toward potential market approval.

Keywords: pertussis vaccine, whooping cough, BPZE1, intranasal vaccine, live-attenuated vaccine, Bordetella pertussis, clinical-stage biotechnology, mucosal immunity, vaccine development, infectious disease prevention, respiratory disease treatment, human challenge trials, Phase 3 trial, vaccine technology, immunology, Keith Rubin, Institut Pasteur de Lille, pediatric vaccine, bacterial colonization, transmission prevention