A new nasal spray vaccine, BPZE1, shows promise in preventing whooping cough by stopping the bacteria from colonising the nose and throat, which could reduce transmission across age groups if approved.

Current vaccines given to pregnant women and young children do not fully prevent carriage or lifelong protection, but BPZE1 could offer broader and longer-lasting protection for all ages if it reaches widespread use.

Professor Robert Read of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre described BPZE1 as a potentially significant step forward in interrupting transmission of whooping cough.

ILiAD’s Dr Stephanie Noviello framed the development as a milestone toward eradicating disease caused by Bordetella pertussis.

UK infection trends show a sharp decline in whooping cough in 2025 compared with 2024, with NHS England reporting 896 cases in the first half of this year versus 15,153 in the same period last year.

Public health officials highlighted the potential of BPZE1 to reduce transmission and provide longer-lasting protection for everyone, not just newborns.

The Lancet Microbe study Champion-1, involving 53 adults, showed strong immune responses in nasal passages and blood, suggesting durable protection if confirmed in larger trials.

The trial is part of NIHR backing and Department of Health and Social Care sponsorship, with further work supported by NIHR/NHS and published in Lancet Microbe.

Whooping cough starts with cold-like symptoms and can progress to violent coughing, which can be dangerous for infants under six months, necessitating urgent care if symptoms arise.

Outbreak dynamics in England surged in 2024 with around 15,000 cases and 11 infant deaths, underscoring the urgency of better prevention strategies.

Lancet Microbe results indicate BPZE1 was safe and well tolerated, with many vaccinated individuals showing little to no bacteria in the nose after exposure, implying reduced transmission potential.

A collective view from public health officials and researchers sees BPZE1 as a significant advance in reducing spread and protecting future generations, with maternal-use trials being pursued as part of expanding protection.