Bordetella pertussis J820 for Whooping Cough

This trial tests a new treatment called Bordetella pertussis J820 for whooping cough. The goal is to understand how this treatment works against current strains of the bacteria causing whooping cough. Participants will receive different doses to evaluate their effectiveness and safety. Eligible participants should be in good health and must not have received the whooping cough vaccine in the last 5 years or have a history of whooping cough. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this new treatment.

Research has shown that Bordetella pertussis J820 has been tested in animals, such as baboons, and appeared promising without causing severe whooping cough symptoms. The study found it offered some protection against the disease when administered nasally.

Since this treatment is just beginning human trials, limited safety data for people exists. However, its inclusion in a Phase 1 trial indicates some early evidence of potential safety. Phase 1 trials primarily assess a treatment's safety in humans and involve small groups. This suggests that serious side effects are unlikely, but it is only the beginning.

Most treatments for whooping cough, like antibiotics and vaccines, aim to manage symptoms or prevent the disease. Unlike these standard options, Bordetella pertussis J820 targets the bacteria directly through a novel mechanism, potentially preventing the infection more effectively. Researchers are excited because it might offer a faster and more robust way to protect against whooping cough, especially in populations where traditional vaccines are less effective. Additionally, the study explores different dosing levels, which could optimize its effectiveness and safety profile.

Research has shown that Bordetella pertussis J820 may protect against whooping cough, based on animal studies. Specifically, studies with baboons demonstrated that administering Bordetella pertussis nasally can protect them without causing the usual symptoms of whooping cough. This suggests that the treatment might effectively trigger an immune response to help fight off the infection. Current whooping cough vaccines work well initially, but their protection can decrease over time. Therefore, developing a new method like Bordetella pertussis J820 could provide longer-lasting protection. Participants in this trial will receive different dosages of Bordetella pertussis J820 to evaluate its effectiveness and safety.³⁶⁷⁸⁹