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Advancing Scientific Understanding to Combat Global Health Threats

At Bilex Pharma, our infectious disease research forms the scientific foundation for our vaccine development efforts. We combine deep immunological understanding with cutting-edge methodologies to investigate pathogens, immune responses, and protective mechanisms that inform our innovative vaccine candidates.

Our Research Approach

Pathogen Biology & Immunology

Our research begins with comprehensive analysis of target pathogens:

  • Genomic & Antigenic Characterization: Detailed analysis of pathogen genetics, protein structures, and evolutionary patterns
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions: Investigation of how pathogens infect cells, evade immunity, and cause disease
  • Immune Response Mapping: Identification of natural immune mechanisms that successfully control infection
  • Correlates of Protection: Discovery of specific immune markers that predict successful defense against pathogens

Advanced Research Technologies

We employ state-of-the-art technologies across our research programs:

Structural Biology

  • Cryo-electron microscopy: Atomic-level visualization of pathogen structures in the Oxford Scientific Operations Facility
  • X-ray crystallography: Precise mapping of antigen-antibody binding interfaces
  • Computational molecular modeling: Prediction of protein structures and interactions to guide antigen design

Immunological Assessment

  • Single-cell analysis: Detailed characterization of immune cell populations and their responses
  • Systems serology: Comprehensive profiling of antibody functions beyond simple binding
  • Immune repertoire sequencing: Analysis of B and T cell receptor diversity following infection or vaccination
  • Multiplex cytokine profiling: Measurement of immune signaling networks activated by vaccines

Preclinical Evaluation

  • In vitro neutralization assays: Assessment of antibody function against live pathogens
  • Challenge models: Controlled studies of vaccine protection in appropriate animal models
  • Immune correlates research: Identification of measurable immune markers that predict protection
  • Biomarker discovery: Development of novel indicators of vaccine efficacy and safety

Disease Focus Areas

Our research portfolio addresses diverse infectious threats with significant public health impact:

Respiratory Viral Diseases

Under our Project SHIELD initiative, we conduct intensive research on major respiratory pathogens:

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Investigation of pre-fusion F protein conformation optimization to enhance neutralizing antibody responses
  • Influenza Virus: Research on conserved viral epitopes to develop universal protection across strains and seasons
  • Coronaviruses: Studies of pan-coronavirus immunity targeting conserved regions across multiple species
  • Integrated Respiratory Immunology: Analysis of immune interactions between multiple respiratory pathogens

Emerging Infectious Threats

Through Project RESPOND, we study high-consequence pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential:

  • Nipah Virus: Research demonstrating complete protection in preclinical challenge models
  • Novel Coronavirus Variants: Continuous surveillance and characterization of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants
  • Pathogen X Preparedness: Development of prototype vaccines against priority pathogens identified by WHO and CEPI
  • Rapid Response Platforms: Validation of technologies for swift adaptation to novel viral threats

Vector-Borne & Neglected Tropical Diseases

Our Project SAFEGUARD encompasses research on diseases affecting vulnerable populations worldwide:

  • Chikungunya Virus: Studies of virus-like particles that mimic authentic viral structure
  • Dengue Virus: Investigation of balanced immune responses against all four serotypes to prevent antibody-dependent enhancement
  • Malaria: Research on multiple parasite life-stage antigens in collaboration with PATH
  • Emerging Arboviruses: Surveillance and characterization of mosquito-borne threats with epidemic potential

Antimicrobial Resistance

As part of the Global AMR Vaccine Consortium, we research vaccine approaches to combat drug-resistant pathogens:

  • Carbapenem-resistant Pathogens: Antigen discovery for high-priority resistant bacteria
  • Novel Adjuvant Formulations: Development of specialized adjuvants tailored for bacterial targets
  • Immune Correlates for Bacterial Pathogens: Establishing laboratory markers that correlate with protection
  • Combination Approaches: Evaluation of multivalent vaccines targeting multiple resistant pathogens

Research Facilities

Our research is conducted across specialized facilities in the UK:

Cambridge Research Campus

Our primary research headquarters houses:

  • Advanced Immunology Suite: Investigation of complex immune responses to vaccine candidates
  • Molecular Biology Laboratories: Design and optimization of antigen constructs
  • Bioinformatics Hub: Application of AI and machine learning to accelerate vaccine design
  • Early-stage Process Development Labs: Translation of scientific discoveries into manufacturing processes

Oxford Scientific Operations

Our specialized research facility includes:

  • Structural Vaccinology Unit: Utilizing advanced imaging techniques to optimize antigen conformation
  • Adjuvant Technology Centre: Development and testing of novel immune response enhancers
  • Biomarker Discovery Labs: Identification and validation of indicators of vaccine efficacy
  • Analytical Sciences Group: Comprehensive quality assessment throughout development

Glasgow Technical Operations Centre

Our technical research hub features:

  • Digital Twin Development Laboratory: Creation of virtual replicas of manufacturing processes
  • Equipment Design and Validation: Development of specialized production and testing equipment
  • Automation and Control Systems: Implementation of sophisticated monitoring for manufacturing

Collaborative Research

We believe breakthrough science emerges from diverse perspectives and partnerships:

Academic Collaborations

  • University of Oxford: Research on structure-based vaccine design and infectious disease immunology
  • Imperial College London: Collaboration on respiratory virus pathogenesis and vaccine evaluation
  • University of Cambridge: Partnerships in computational biology and systems immunology
  • University of Edinburgh: Joint research on emerging infectious disease surveillance

Global Health Partnerships

  • PATH: Strategic partnership for malaria vaccine development
  • Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI): Collaboration on pandemic preparedness platforms
  • Global AMR Vaccine Consortium: Multi-institution initiative addressing antimicrobial resistance
  • Wellcome Trust: Support for neglected tropical disease research

Industry Collaborations

  • Technology Exchange Agreements: Partnerships with complementary platform companies
  • Manufacturing Collaborations: Joint efforts to advance production technologies
  • Clinical Research Organizations: Partnerships for global clinical evaluation

Research Publications & Scientific Contributions

Our commitment to scientific advancement includes sharing discoveries with the broader research community:

  • Peer-Reviewed Publications: Our research has been featured in leading journals including Nature Biotechnology
  • Scientific Conferences: Regular presentation of findings at major infectious disease and vaccine conferences
  • Open Science Initiatives: Participation in data-sharing collaborations for global health challenges
  • Educational Partnerships: Training the next generation of infectious disease researchers

Our Research Team

Led by Dr. Eleanor Harrington, our Chief Scientific Officer, Bilex Pharma’s research is driven by multidisciplinary teams of scientists with expertise in:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Structural biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Computational science
  • Process development
  • Analytical sciences

Our research culture emphasizes scientific rigor, creative thinking, and translational focus—ensuring that insights from basic science efficiently advance to vaccine development.

Looking Forward

Our infectious disease research program continues to evolve, with key strategic priorities:

  • Cross-Pathogen Immunity: Understanding how immune responses to one pathogen influence protection against others
  • Improved Animal Models: Development of more predictive preclinical systems for vaccine evaluation
  • Artificial Intelligence Integration: Expanding use of machine learning for antigen design and immune prediction
  • Novel Adjuvant Discovery: Identifying new compounds and formulations to shape specific immune responses
  • Mucosal Immunity Research: Advancing understanding of respiratory and mucosal protection mechanisms

Through our comprehensive infectious disease research program, Bilex Pharma continues to build the scientific foundation for the next generation of vaccines—transforming fundamental understanding of pathogens and immunity into practical solutions for global health challenges.