Bronchiolitis is a common viral infection of the small airways of infants and some affected
infants will require hospital admission. Severe bronchiolitis is a marker for greatly
increased risk of developing both preschool wheeze and subsequent school age asthma. Since
epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to microbial products protects against
preschool wheeze, lysates of bacteria may prevent the development of wheeze after
bronchiolitis, with long-term beneficial consequences.
BLIPA is a phase IIb, randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study, investigating the
efficacy superiority of bacterial lysate (Broncho Vaxom) capsules over placebo, in reducing
wheeze in infants after severe bronchiolitis. The primary end point of the study is
parent-reported, healthcare-professional confirmed wheeze at 19-24 months. The study aims to
test bacterial lysate capsules (3.5mg over 24 months) for safety, efficacy, and to advance
mechanistic understanding of its action.